STLT Cultural Context

The protagonist is a middle-aged man named Bill Furlong

“A coal and timber merchant”

As stated by the nun in displeasure, he has

“No boy to carry on the name.”

The story takes place in the days leading up to Christmas

“The long () winds came in and blew.”

Due to class delineation, there was very little wealth in this town

“The times were raw, but Furlong felt all the more determined to carry on.”

It follows the experiences of the humble Bill Furlong, as he

“Has to work very long because he was concerned about providing for his girls.”

He reflects on his past, noting that

“He was from the working class.”

Eileen remarked about Mrs Wilson, saying

“Yet was she not one of the few women on this earth who could do as she pleased?”

The nuns remained detached from financial realities.

“And didn’t the nuns always pay what was owing and on time, unlike so many.”

When Sarah’s family had found out that she was pregnant

“They made it clear that they’d have no more to do with her.”

Magdalene Laundries were places where

“Girls of low character are ‘reformed’ by cleaning, dawn till night.”

The community is aware of the abuses that take place inside of the church, yet their fear silences them.

“It would be the easiest thing in the world to lose them.”

It is clear that Bill is an unbiased character that is clearly uncomfortable with the expectations of gender roles in society.

“What have I against girls?”

Quote on culture

“Culture is a way of coping with the world by understanding it better.” - Malcolm Bradbury, English author

Culture definition

“The ideas, customs and social behaviour of a particular group or society.”

Culture Context meaning

Cultural Context refers to the values and beliefs present in the world of the text.