This text was written in17th-century england. how does this information regarding the text's historical context affect your understanding of the text and its theme?

Well depending on the content of the text (math,science,art,etc...) it usually affects our understanding in terms of acknowledging the fact that we have since "upgraded". We have advanced in art, science, technology, and writing even! This also affects its theme in that, if they speak of architecture then we are aware that is the Middle Ages. So this means buildings and surroundings have old styles and design. Also it makes us aware of the fact that the way they are speaking is due to it being 17th century. Hope this helps!  

active voice: my father cut the tree.

passive voice: the tree was cut by my father.

active voice: people buy newspapers every day.

passive voice: newspapers are bought (by people) every day.

active voice: people have been using movies as political propaganda since world war ii.

passive voice: movies have been used as political propaganda since world war ii.

active voice: donna gave me my birthday present.

passive voice: i was given my birthday present (by donna). / my birthday present was given to me (by donna).

active voice: mom will leave the keys on the counter.

passive voice: the keys will be left (by mom) on the counter.

the words in parentheses are the agent of the passive voice and can be omitted when obvious, generic, or simply unnecessary.