Why is it important to understand and study the history that surrounds and informs the literature we read and consume?

Read this sentence from the story of my life by helen keller. the most important day i remember in all my life is the one on which my teacher, anne mansfield sullivan, came to me. which element of plot does this sentence best represent?

What character asks for god's mercy on the lady at the end of the poem? arthur lancelot the poem's speaker the reaper

Read the excerpt from the common sense of bicycling: bicycling for ladies. the bicycle is capable of such high speed that there is a strong temptation to ride so fast as to cause over exertion or excessive perspiration. on the other hand some people ride too slow, causing a zigzag and uncertain movement. while exercising reasonable caution, be a fearless rider. when you come to a steep hill, if the road is clear, let it go as fast as it will. if you rid yourself of that ghost of fear, coasting is one of the greatest delights of cycling. which is the best paraphrase of the text?