16Hit1600
Information and IdeasVery hardEvidence for a claim about a play's first performance

Information and Ideas practice question

A theatre historian argues that a play usually dated to 1605 was first performed no later than 1603.

Which finding, if true, would most directly support the claim?

  1. A. A letter written in the autumn of 1603, whose date is fixed by its reference to a plague outbreak that year, describes having seen the play performed.Correct
  2. B. The play's style resembles other plays of the early 1600s.
  3. C. The playwright was living in the city in 1603.
  4. D. The play was printed in 1608.

Answer: A. A letter written in the autumn of 1603, whose date is fixed by its reference to a plague outbreak that year, describes having seen the play performed.

An eyewitness, firmly dated to 1603.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The play's style resembles other plays of the early 1600s.
Style cannot fix a year.
C. The playwright was living in the city in 1603.
Residence is not performance.
D. The play was printed in 1608.
Printing came after either date.

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