The correct answer is - Knowing this information may help you understand the author’s message and purpose.
The historical and social context of a text is important while analyzing that particular text (depending on the literary theory you are going for). Based on these contexts, you will be able to determine or base your opinions on what they author wanted to say, to convey, to teach his or her audience, so you need to pay attention to everything if you want your analysis to be thorough.
