Political Legitimacy: This doctrine asserted that a monarch derived their right to rule directly from God, not from the will of the people or the aristocracy.
Sacred Authority: Because the King was considered God's deputy on earth, any act of rebellion or regicide (killing a king) was viewed as a supreme sin against God Himself.
Jacobean Influence: King James I was a staunch advocate of this theory, even writing treatises on it. Shakespeare's plays often explore the tragic consequences for those who challenge this divine appointment.
Patriarchal Society: Early modern England was a male-dominated society where women were legally and socially subordinate to men (fathers, then husbands).
Expectations of Women: Women were expected to be silent, obedient, and domestic. Their primary social value was tied to marriage, dowries, and the production of heirs.
Subversive Characters: Shakespeare often creates dramatic tension by presenting female characters who challenge these norms through disguise, wit, or political ambition, though they often face social repercussions.
Religious Tension: The era was marked by the Protestant Reformation and ongoing conflict between Catholics and Protestants. Religious identity influenced political loyalty and social standing.
Belief in the Supernatural: Witches, ghosts, and fairies were not merely theatrical devices but were widely believed to be real and dangerous entities.
Jacobean Witchcraft: King James I had a personal obsession with witchcraft, publishing Daemonologie in 1597. Shakespeare's inclusion of the supernatural often reflects these contemporary anxieties and the King's specific interests.
Avoid 'Bolt-on' Facts: Do not simply list historical dates or biographical details about Shakespeare. Instead, explain how a specific idea (like the Great Chain of Being) helps us understand a character's choice.
The Author's Message: Frame context in terms of the playwright's intent. Use phrases like 'Shakespeare may be challenging contemporary views on...' or 'The play reflects Jacobean anxieties regarding...'
Universal vs. Specific: Recognize that while some ideas are specific to the 1600s (like the Divine Right), they often represent universal human themes like power, jealousy, and ambition.
