Why is studying an author's culture important?
a. to the reader understand the use of figurative and connotative language in the story
b. to the reader understand how the characters are able to overcome the story's conflict
c. to the reader understand the quality of the writing and the author's level of education
d. to the reader understand the underlying values and beliefs of the characters

(the answer is d)

The answer is D.

Culture refers to a particular ‘way of life’ (experience), involving religion, race and nationality, as well as things like food, dress code and manners. Literature has been defined as "the human experience."  It is the outpourings of the artist's heart and soul.  To know about the personal background of this artist, therefore, only makes sense. For example Ernest Hemingway in "A Farewell to Arms" , his experience are in the background of this novel.

explanation:

you only need simple sentences to answer this. just answer these questions.

what do you think annie thinks of the mother? do you think annie believes the mother is a fit mother for helen.

what about the father? what would annie think of him? she might not like him, but does she respect him.

how about the son? would annie think he is the only voice of sanity in an insane place?

what about helen herself? this is the key question. how does she see helen? what do you suppose she thought her first job was going to be.

these aren't hard questions. just state the obvious. annie is not that well educated: she just knows what she has to do. write it that way.

you can do it if you've read the book or seen the play or movie.

d. lennie pats too hard, and then panics.