What is historical context?

a. the author’s choice about where to publish a text
b. the map or plan a writer drafts while planning a story
c. the people and events that influence a writer
d. all the actions that take place during a story

i need to know asap, i will rate and your answer if i get it right; you!

What is the effect of the author's choice of the word loathsome rather than hateful in this sentence from the count of monte cristo? two soldiers were accordingly sent for, and the inspector descended a stairway, so foul, so humid, so dark, as to be loathsome to sight, smell, and respiration. it reveals that the unpleasant aspects of the stairway are manmade. it stresses the disgusting, offensive nature of the stairway. it suggests that the soldiers are used to the place and do not hate it. it implies that the effects of the stairway are felt only by the inspector.