3. Key concepts

Question 1

Define “anachronism”

Answer 1

= a chronological inconsistency

(i.e. a thing belonging or appropriate to a period other than that in which it exists)

Question 2

Give three examples of anachronisms

Answer 2

1. Shakespeare writes of a clock in Julius Caesar, when clocks would not have existed in ancient Rome: “Brutus: Peace! Count the clock. Cassius: The clock has stricken three.”
2. Shakespeare refers to the “dollar” in Macbeth, which is set in a time when dollars were not used: “Till he disbursed at Saint Colme’s inch Ten thousand dollars to our general use.”
3. In yet another Shakespeare play, Antony and Cleopatra, Cleopatra talks of playing “billiards,” which would not have been a game played in ancient Egypt.

Question 3

What is “bias” in history?

Answer 3

One-sided evidence (may be positive or negative)

Question 4

What is the difference between fact and opinion?

Answer 4

A fact is something that is true

An opinion is what someone thinks or believes.

Question 5

What do you need to consider when assessing bias in history?

Answer 5

1. Interpretation: what does the author/painter what me to think?
2. Reliability: do I trust it?
3. Useful: how far can I use it?