Since the poem is set in the Middle Ages, the reader can find out a lot of features about life and habits during that period of time.

The protagonist is an aristocratic man, a Lord. In the Middle Ages Lords were very important people: they were the richest, because they possessed several goods such as fields, fortresses, moneys, gold and silver jewellery. Riches were a symbol of power and authority.

Another relevant aspect is that concerning the male figure: men are considered stronger and more valorous than women. Some of them were seen as heroes. They went hunting and they had to provide for the survival of family. They were the heads of the family and, believing themselves superior to women, they gave them orders and household tasks to do.

The reader can also notice that in the Middle Ages witchcraft was widespread. Woods and forest where considered as mysterious, dangerous places, often inhabited by supernatural creatures such as wizards and witches. Murder by poisoning (hemlock and wormwood) was not widely practiced in ancient times, but poison is the weapon of those who act in the shadows and want to hide their responsibility. This is the probable reason why the woman has killed Lord Randal.

Last but not least, inheritance is a relevant issue especially when the person who dies is rich and powerful, as in the case of Lord Randal. Therefore oral testaments are very important because of the social class someone belongs to. Sorting out one's possessions before dying was essential in the context of feudal society, too, as it was necessary to keep an estate intact. As somebody is on the point of dying, he declares which asset leaves to each family member.