Political Theology: The Divine Right of Kings asserted that a monarch derived their right to rule directly from God, not from the consent of the people or the aristocracy. Consequently, the monarch was not subject to earthly authority, and rebellion against them was considered a sacrilegious act.
Jacobean Anxiety: During the transition from Elizabeth I to James I, there was significant anxiety regarding succession and political stability. Shakespeare's plays often explore the consequences of regicide (the killing of a king) to reflect these contemporary fears of civil unrest.
The King's Two Bodies: This concept distinguished between the 'body natural' (the physical, mortal human) and the 'body politic' (the immortal, divine office of the kingship). This allowed for the continuity of the state even when an individual monarch died.
Patriarchy: Elizabethan and Jacobean societies were strictly patriarchal, meaning men held the primary power and predominated in roles of political leadership, moral authority, and control of property. Women were legally and socially subordinate to their fathers or husbands.
Expectations of Women: Idealized feminine traits included silence, obedience, and chastity. In drama, women who challenged these norms—by being assertive, politically active, or sexually independent—were often portrayed as transgressive or dangerous.
Subversion of Roles: Shakespeare frequently used cross-dressing or powerful female characters to subvert these roles. However, the eventual resolution of the plays often involved a return to the 'natural' patriarchal order, reflecting the societal need for stability.
Avoid 'Bolt-on' Facts: Do not simply list historical dates or biographical details about Shakespeare. Context should only be included if it provides further insight into the specific question or theme you are discussing.
Link to Writer's Intentions: Always frame context in terms of the writer's choices. Instead of saying 'The Great Chain of Being was a belief,' say 'Shakespeare utilizes the contemporary belief in the Great Chain of Being to illustrate the catastrophic nature of the protagonist's ambition.'
Conceptualized Response: The highest marks are awarded for a 'conceptualized response' where context is integrated into the argument. This means using context to explain the message or 'big idea' the writer is trying to convey to their audience.
