Can You Explain Why A Single Monarchy Was Established In Scotland In The Middle Ages?
Can You Explain Why A Single Monarchy Was Established In Scotland In The Middle Ages? This question though not always approached diectly, is covered by a substantial body of modern historians. In contrast, this quantity is not paralelled by the literary evidence that we have for the early part of the middle ages. Dauvit Broun uses the the expression 'textual archaeology'1 in his impressive attempt to interpret the king lists, of which it is signaificant that only one surviving was acually written in Scotland. It is for this reason that aswell as litereary evidence, archaeology and place names are useful tools in trying to squeeze as much information out of a time and place that is so notably lacking in souces. Many of the historians that will be discussed in this paper contradict one another over the crucial issue of when a single monarchy was set up. Although these are undoubtedly important lines of study it will not be the main concern of this paper. They will be briefly discussed but the complicated polemics as to exactly when and who set up a single monarchy will not be the main focus, principally because it is my belief that the sources simply are not there to be certain as to when a single monarchy was set up. The main aim of this paper is to try to interpret why the monarchy was set up, dealing with more general socio-political trends. The arguments rergarding the
King Richard III, how significant is act 3 scene 7 to the play as a whole?
King Richard III How significant is act 3 scene 7 to the play as a whole? You should take in account: Character: presentation and relationships Themes: conscience, appearance Stage craft: role play, play within a play Language: rhetoric, irony and juxtapositioning Audience response: characters, morality play. Context: Shakespeare's portrayal of Richards's kingship and Tudor myth. Introduction King Richard was set in Elizabethan era. In this period of time the War of the Roses was fought. It was a war fought for 32 years in 1455 to 1487, during the Tudor dynasty. The war of the roses had been fought against the two royal families known as the house of York and the house of Lancaster. Richard was apart of the York house and wanted kingship. Richard III is the final play of a cycle of eight plays that William Shakespeare wrote during the struggle for the crown during 1398 - 1485. Richards's involvement in the play was to manipulate and murder any people who got in his way when he was trying to get the crown. In this essay I will be examining how significant act 3 scene 7 is to the play as a whole. Five sections will be taken in to account to solve this: Character, themes, stage, language and audience response. Character Richard and Buckingham are presented as individuals in a multitude of different ways. Throughout the play Richard is portrayed as an actor. An
To what extent was the English Invasion of Irelandan accident, unforeseen and unplanned?
To what extent was the English Invasion ‘an accident, unforeseen and unplanned’? ________________ When regarding the English invasion of Ireland, characterised by the Richard Fitz Gilbert’s initial invasion in 1169, followed by King Henry II’s arrival in Ireland in 1171, one could argue that it was ‘an accident, unforeseen and unplanned’. Indeed, evidence questions that this was even an invasion, but that the Normans were auxiliary forces to Diarmait Mac Murchada in 1169, whose aims consisted of restoring the deposed monarch to the kingship of Leinster.[1] In addition, Henry’s aim in 1171 was merely to consolidate power over Norman held territory in Ireland as his subject Fitz Gilbert, or Strongbow, was sowing the seeds for a kingdom to rival England.[2] However, although it could be argued that the invasion was not foreseen and planned by Henry’s courts initially, the motives, plans and actions of other parties involved would influence his decision in eventually claiming territories in Ireland. Therefore, it is evident that the invasion was not the product of a grand plan, which was purposeful and foreseen, but was formulated through the plans and motives of different parties and the reactions of the Norman king to them. In regards to the invasion itself, a comparison must be drawn between it and the previous invasion of England of 1066, as under the
How does Shakespeare present and use the characters of Laertes and Fortinbras to compare and contrast with Hamlet, in "Hamlet".
How does Shakespeare present and use the characters of Laertes and Fortinbras to compare and contrast with Hamlet, in "Hamlet" The Shakespearean play "Hamlet" is dominated by the theme of revenge, the way in which the characters respond to grief and the demands of loyalty. Shakespeare presents us with the characters of Laertes and Fortinbras Prince of Norway, in order to compare their actions of vengeance with that of Hamlet's procrastination. The two characters are defined by how they reflect Hamlet's intricate disposition. The comparison of the three men highlights Hamlet's anguish in not taking revenge, which we sympathise with. Shakespeare shows the importance of Hamlets actions and inactions by putting Laertes and Fortinbras in parallel circumstances, the main similarity being revenge. As we observe each character strive for honour in the "rotten state of Denmark" we are presented with the very distinctive ways in which they conquer their hatred. Shakespeare shows all three men to have loved, respected and honoured their fathers. Each character displays deviousness when planning their act of retribution, but go about their battle for nobility in singular ways. Even though Hamlet has a very formal relationship with the Ghost of his father (Old Hamlet), it is shown that he has immense affection for him by his anger of inaction "the thoughts of love may sweep to
To what extent did a strong succession mean a strong reign in the years 1066-1189?
To what extent did a strong succession mean a strong reign in the years 1066-1189? An analysis of the five king's in question and there ability to cope with rebellions would help elucidate the extent to which a King's reign would be effective. Rebellions had to be dealt with swiftly and effectively in order to safeguard the kings reign. The support of the people of London became paramount especially between the years 1130 and 1135 when this was a vital factor in deciding who would obtain the monarchy. Additionally, the new king would have to seize the treasury and therefore control the kingdoms finances. The concept of iconography was still in existence and was perhaps the most noteworthy method of identifying the new king. This included being crowned publically by a religious figure of high status. The latter is the systematic establishment of these factors within the kings' reign as well as a solid construction of governmental infrastructure. Although a strong succession may have assisted the maintenance of strong reign, perhaps it was the individual qualities of the king himself that determined the way he governed his kingdom that demonstrated a strong reign. Firstly, the suppression of the rebellions, and the complete annihilation of opposition was paramount if a King was to secure and maintain a successful reign. Perhaps the king that encountered the most rebellions
Macbeth is the central figure in the Shakespearean tragedy Macbeth, and the entire play revolves around him and the constant s
Macbeth is the central figure in the Shakespearean tragedy Macbeth, and the entire play revolves around him and the constant struggle between his conscience and his lust for power. Macbeth is a Scottish nobleman, with the title of Thane of Glamis. A cousin to the king, Macbeth lives in his castle, Inverness, with his wife, the strong-willed Lady Macbeth. Our initial impression of Macbeth is based upon the sergeant's report, which depicts him as a valiant soldier in the Scottish army. He is determined in the face of peril, as when the Norwegian army launches a fresh attack taking the Scots by surprise. These initial perceptions become doubtful when we meet Macbeth. Despite all his positive traits, we also see him as a brutal killing machine, completely devoid of emotions ["his brandished steel...smoked with bloody execution"]. These killings foreshadow the murder planned by Macbeth to seize the throne. Macbeth is so transfixed by the thought of his becoming king that he even contemplates the unthinkable - the murder of the king, God's representative. Macbeth's consuming ambition overpowers his loyalty to the king- even his valor in battle may have been an attempt to enhance his status. He is acutely aware of his duty to Duncan- as a subject, kinsman, and host- but he is willing to overlook even punishment in the afterlife, as long as he achieves kingship. This turns out
a) "How far do these sources support the view expressed in source one that, in the years 1067-1075, William had favoured conciliation in his attempts to establish peace in England?"
A-Level History Coursework a) "How far do these sources support the view expressed in source one that, in the years 1067-1075, William had favoured conciliation in his attempts to establish peace in England?" The view of William I favoring conciliation in his attempts to establish peace, to a certain extent, do agree with a number of the sources. This is only to a degree due to events that occurred between the years 1067 and 1075 that pushed William into more brutal and violent methods of subduing the English and securing his authority over England. Sources that do agree with William I using peaceful procedures to establish peace are sources three and four. Both sources to a great extent agree with the first source. Source three depicts how appeasement established authority. The source describes the naval and land levies, proving that William favoured conciliation. William had enough trust with the English to take them to war with him, and that they would not mutiny. This trust can be linked with source four; William felt strong enough to leave England in the hands of William fitz Osbern and go to Normandy. However, did the English really have a choice? With the erection of castles, the use of cavalry, and Norman landholders, the English may have been forced to fight for him; there is little detail of the events or others before or after. Source four also agrees,
Themes in Macbeth
Themes in Macbeth Shakespeare implements a number of themes into Macbeth, that enable the audience to have a better understanding of the plot and characters; and also to create an alternate set of ideas and motives to the general play itself. Shakespeare uses soliloquies, asides and a number of other dramatic techniques to add emphasis and further depth to the themes. The major themes are: the corruption of ambition, appearance versus reality, light and dark and guilt and conscience. The 'corruption of ambition' serves as a significant theme in relation to the tragedy of Macbeth and the characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. The witches seem to be the source of ignition of Macbeth's ambition, as they predict that he will become Thane of Cawdor and later King. This ambition builds as Macbeth is respectively appointed Thane of Cawdor, and later King Duncan's son, Malcolm is appointed Prince of Cumberland, heir to the throne. Shakespeare implements a soliloquy through which the audience is revealed a deep insight into Macbeth's thoughts and ambitions as he establishes that he has a 'vaulting ambition which o'erleaps itself and falls on th'other'. Lady Macbeth also portrays here strong ambition for Macbeth's kingship, as he calls on evil spirits to 'unsex' her so that she may persuade and manipulate her husband into murdering Duncan. Their initial ambition leads them to
Discuss the staging of Act 1 Scene 4 and Act 5 Scene 3, showing how this would bring out Duncan and Macbeths reign.
Discuss the staging of Act 1 Scene 4 and Act 5 Scene 3, showing how this would bring out Duncan and Macbeths reign. Macbeth was written in 1606 for the current King James I. 1606 was in the Jacobean period, a time when people believed in the Divine Right of Kings. This is the belief that Kings were chosen by God. They also believed that the worst possible crime was to kill a King and this would result in being dammed to hell. They also believed in the "Great Chain of Being", the importance of beings from highest to lowest. At the top was God and below him were the different positions held by Angels. Below Angels, the King was positioned above all other human beings. Because of this the King was given the title "God's Deputy On Earth. During the Jacobean period there was also a strong belief in witchcraft; this being present in the play greatly intrigued the audience. Act 1 scene 4 and act 5 scene 3 both show examples of Kingship. The Kingship shown in these two scenes are very different. In order to understand these differences we must focus on the way in which the scenes are staged and the audience's opinions generated by the script. Duncan is a very well respected and admired King. The people of Scotland admire and bow down to him, as they believe he is a good ruler. Duncan praises and rewards those who do well to him. He congratulates Macbeth in winning the battle
Discuss the character of Banquo and his role in 'Macbeth'.
DISCUSS THE CHARACTER OF BANQUO AND HIS ROLE IN 'MACBETH' Banquo was one of Duncan's brave generals. He was a man of honour and integrity. He held the same rank as Macbeth and they were very closely linked characters. They were courageous and loyal warriors. They both witnessed the Witches' prophesies and their future successes were foretold throughout the play. Banquo had a generous spirit and a rational view of the world and had the attributes required by a good King, however, Banquo was an ambiguous character, in that he was sceptical of Macbeth's manner following their encounter with the Witches. Macbeths' beliefs worried Banquo, as he was a good man and he believed deeply in upholding God's rule of order. Banquo sensed that the Witches' prophesies prompted new reactions in Macbeth - further encouraging his ambitions towards kingship. Banquo's first encounter with the Witches was quite unbelievable to him and he remarked to Macbeth, "What are these, So withered, and so wild in their attire, That look not like th'inhabitants o'th earth, And yet are on,t?" , Banquo's words describe Macbeth's startled and uneasy reaction to the Witches' prophesies, touching moral confusion in Macbeth by saying to him, "Good sir, why do you start, and seem to fear Things that do not sound so fair?" The half rhyme 'fear' and 'fair' echoes the Witches
