Explain why it is important for readers to understand historical context and provide one example to support your claim?

Understanding the historical context of a work of literature is important to better comprehend, and ultimately enjoy, that work and fully appreciate its significance. When reading a play by Shakespeare, for instance, the reader will benefit from knowing the religious, political, and social changes that took place in England when he wrote some of his works - that is, the historical context. Othello or King Lear, just to name some of his most renowned works, were composed during James I's reign, which was characterized by a fierce absolutism, hence the themes around which those plays revolve - ambition, betrayal, greed, fate, jealousy, and hatred, to name a few.