It is a a trait that helps a creature survive in a particular environment.
I think D is the best answer choice. for a work written around the time of the salem witch trials, you can better understand why extreme fear and condemnation of witchcraft might show up, and the author's purpose is a major thing to understand a work. C doesn't really make sense, because historical context is based on facts, so the context doesn't so much help you understand an author's attitude/opinion. B is true to some degree, but D is still a stronger answer as B is somewhat circular; historical context is an inherent part of a historical character? and A doesn't even make sense to me but i personally would go with D
D. What prior knowledge does my audience have?
You would teach a kindergarten class about animals differently than you would a group of zoologists. <span />
