The societal context of the 1960s profoundly influenced Joan Didion’s writings. Amid political turmoil, cultural upheaval, and the counterculture movement, Didion explored the disillusionment and fragmentation of American life. Her sharp, introspective prose captured the anxieties of the era, reflecting on the personal and collective impact of events such as the Vietnam War and the Manson murders. Didion's work illustrates her ability to distill the chaos of her time into poignant observations on identity and society.