Question

Why is studying an author's culture important?
A. To help the reader understand the use of figurative and connotative language in the story
B. To help the reader understand how the characters are able to overcome the story's conflict
C. To help the reader understand the quality of the writing and the author's level of education
D. To help the reader understand the underlying values and beliefs of the characters

(The answer is D)

Answer 1

D. To help the reader understand the underlying values and beliefs of the characters is the correct answer, but it seems that you already knew that : )

Answer 2

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.