Arts and humanities writing highlights a particular viewpoint to the exclusion of others. The challenge for writers is to keep their primary viewpoint front of mind, acknowledge how it colours their interpretation, and consider whether another angle would allow them to understand the material more fully.

This is particularly important for history writers, who must bear in mind that ‘history is written by the victors’. For example, the writing of early Australian historians was framed by perspectives that would be alien or unacceptable to most readers and writers today. Consider the source as you write:

• What are the source’s values and perspectives? (Do they implicitly endorse ideas that should be challenged?)
• Who are they writing for?
• Who and what are they including and leaving out?

As we examine historical source material, we bring a modern lens to our reading, but this risks anachronistic interpretations. A modern reader of a diary from the 19th century might read stories suggesting attitudes towards women strongly at variance with modern views. Consider the norms of the time in which it was written to gain an understanding of past events through these source materials, without overlaying your interpretation with modern values.