Abstract Catherine of Aragon, first wife of Henry VIII and the youngest daughter of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain, was born in 1485. This paper examines her life and role in history, including her days as an educated princess in Spain, her marriage to Henry, and his subsequent divorce from her after she failed to provide him with an heir.
From the Paper "In July of 1533, Henry ordered Catherine to Buckden in Huntingdonshire,
where she remained until her death. He also ordered that she should not be treated as a queen, but as a "dowger princess". Catherine loved Henry until the end, and refused to believe that the marriage was over. Just before she died, she wrote a letter to Henry, addressing him as ?"My most dear lord, king and husband"...and signing the letter "I make this vow, that mine eyes desire you above all things"? (Mattingly, pg. 308). Catherine of Aragon was destined to marry a king and until her death she continued to believe she was still Henry's queen."
Abstract In this article, the writer first looks at the immediate circumstances in which Henry VIII first conceived the idea of divorce from Catherine. The paper then points out that there were also other surrounding factors that must be taken into consideration when considering whether Henry VIII's break with Rome really was driven by Henry's sole desire for divorce. The paper points out that some scholars say the role of Cardinal Wolsey, the king's advisor, was crucial in so far as he supposedly suggested the plan to the King himself; some point to the influence of Anne Boleyn and Catherine of Aragon on his decisions; still others believe that the broader force of anti-clericalism ultimately played an important part since it helped transform a mere issue of divorce into one of a conflict between Church and State. The paper concludes that despite all these important factors, the chief factor for the break with Rome can be found with Henry himself and in his undoubted passion for Anne whose role in shoring up Henry's affection towards her and determination for the cause was far from unimportant in a desire that resulted in England rejecting the authority of the papacy.
Outline:
Introduction
The Strength of Henry's Desire
The Influence of Anne Boleyn
The Place of Anti-clericalism
Conclusions
From the Paper "More fundamentally, it is questionable whether the Cardinal himself really did have intentions to become Pope. When Wolsey did obtain a position as a Cardinal in Rome, he frequently absented himself away from the place, even declining recommendations that he should go for his own benefit. Following accusations that his titular Church of St Cicilia was involved with embezzlement, he hardly exuded an air of concern about this as reflecting badly on his character and hence his potential candidacy. Nor did he make any serious attempt at cultivating a network of people on whom he could rely when it came to electing a Pope. Realistically, there was only one influential supporter, Campeggio, an acquaintance merely by virtue of him being a legate in England. Otherwise, Wolsey half-heartedly looked to minor figures that could not be expected to hold real clout. Even Silvestro Gigli, a diplomat, was treated rather indifferently in the role of go-between with Rome, so that Gigli was frequently moved to complain that Wolsey was not keeping him, and thus Rome, informed about developments in England."
Tags: Anne, Boleyn, Catherine, of, Aragon, marriage
Abstract This is a historiography paper that judges the opinions of scholars on the topic of Henry VIII's first divorce from the 1500s to the present. It traces the evolution of religious arguments, feminist criticism, trends in objectivity or subjectivity and the central issues emphasized. Documents used include those written by King Henry VIII himself in justification of his actions, Protestants writing to defent their church and beliefs against hte catholic counter-reformation, a 19th century female scholar more sensitive to Catherine's position and a variety of modern scholars emphasizing the diversity of scholarship available in the present day.
From the Paper "Authors in the nineteenth century placed greater importance on Henry's desire to have a male heir. Mrs. Hope describes Henry's despair at having Catherine bear him three sons, only for them to die soon after birth . She believes that he knew his only hope for a son lay in divorcing Catherine and marrying a younger wife, even though it would lead to a quarrel with her nephew the Emperor. Hope also finds proof of Henry's desire when, at the birth of Princess Elizabeth in 1533, he expressed disappointment. Writing from a Catholic point of view, it is easier for Hope to reconcile herself with Henry's choices being driven by political ends, then to suggest the King was disappointed with his faith. J.A. Founde agrees that the problem of succession was of utmost importance at the time to Henry. He points out that in the previous century a disputed succession had led to a civil war, and that during Henry's reign people were aware that if the King should die without an heir the war of the Roses might be renewed."
Abstract This paper discusses the steps leading up to Henry VIII's break from the Catholic Church and papal domination. The paper focuses on Henry's marriage to Catherine and his relationship with Ann Boleyn as motivating factors for his departure from the Roman Church.
From the Paper "In the early sixteenth century, Europe was the stage for many grand social and political changes all of which altered the way in which man viewed himself and the world around him. No event, however, was more influential in the life of the individual than the ..."
Tags: Henry VIII, Catherine of Aragon, Cardinal Wolsey, Pope, Protestant Reformation, Rome
Abstract Ferdinand of Aragon is represented both directly and indirectly in the text. Ferdinand of Aragon is one of the few characters whom Machiavelli openly compliments. However, as the research demonstrates, Ferdinand of Aragon is indirectly mentioned in several instances that contradict the praises openly bestowed upon him. Ferdinand of Aragon is often referred to as Ferdinand the Catholic. The research supports the thesis that when Machiavelli speaks of Ferdinand of Aragon, he his actually expressing his political views about he Catholic Church as a whole. Furthermore, the research demonstrates how Machiavelli uses Ferdinand of Aragon and passages about other prominent figures in the Catholic Church to express ideals regarding the separation of church and state that will eventually lay the ground work for many modern political ideas.
From the Paper "Prior to the time of Machiavelli, Italy had lived in a period of stability and peace. To many the Catholic Church symbolized this peace. The Catholic Church was the governing force in the area. During the time of Machiavelli, many people began to see the corruption and greed the enveloped the supposedly pious leaders of the time. During the time of Machiavelli, the people began to view the Church as a symbol of greed and corrupt power. However, at that time the Church held so much power that it was dangerous to speak out against the Church. To do so could be dangerous and the person ran the risk of persecution or excommunication.
Many writers of the time wished to express their opinions and the opinions of those who disagreed with the Church. Dante's Inferno is a classic example of this technique. In this work the characters on the road to Hell embodied principles, rather than the actual persons represented. The ideals were hidden metaphorically in the characteristics and lives of the characters. Machiavelli used this technique also and Ferdinand of Aragon is one of the primary examples of the use of metaphor to describe the Catholic Church."
Abstract This paper discusses Isabel De Madariaga's book, "Catherine the Great: A Short History" and shows that sometimes in history, events occur that are so out of the ordinary that they actually alter events that have not changed their course in decades or even generations. The paper explains that this is what took place when Catherine the Great, a woman and non-Russian, unexpectedly became Tsarina of Russia in 1762 without any claim to the throne, and goes on to tell her life story as De Madariaga described it. The paper notes that Catherine went unnoticed for many years until Isabel De Madariaga reintroduced Catherine in her book.
From the Paper "Catherine, herself, was a prolific writer. Thousands of sheets of paper covered in her journals have survived. The most noteworthy of all was her 1767 Great Instruction, published to present before the elected representatives of nobles, townspeople, Cossacks, tribesmen and state peasants, not serfs, the general principles through which the assembly should codify laws. The 650 articles of the Instruction defined the functions of social estates and described the means of establishing rule of law and citizen welfare. Catherine was influenced by German and French thinkers of the time, perhaps even the works of Adam Smith. "
Tags: efficient, practitioner, law, citizen, welfare, masculine, formal, conviction, government
Abstract There is much debate over whether Catherine the Great was an enlightened despot. This paper discusses that, despite contentions that her policies were enacted to only benefit herself, Catherine the Great studied the works of leading enlightened thinkers so that she could make educated decisions for her country. It explains how Catherine the Great's exact goals as a ruler may be found in her 1766 work, entitled "Instructions to the Commissioners for Composing a New Code of Laws," which references enlightened thinkers of the day and promoted the creation of a free society. Although Catherine the Great did not achieve all of her enlightened goals, she took steps that allowed them to be realized in the future.
From the Paper "Despite occasional shortcomings, Catherine the Great ruled Russia as a true enlightened despot from 1762 to 1796. During that time, she corresponded with many renowned thinkers of the enlightenment and converted their theories into law. Additionally, she made significant agricultural and scientific reforms, and she attempted to bring equality to Russian society. Although she failed to end serfdom, she promoted the ideals of equality for all under the law. Because of this, Catherine the Great must be considered a dedicated and successful enlightened despot."
Abstract In the novel "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Bronte, the lives of all the characters are affected in some aspect by Catherine Earnshaw. The paper explores how she possesses a certain power over the inhabitants of Wuthering Heights as well as those of Thrushcross Grange and how she influences the events that occur at these two residences. The paper shows how the predominance of Catherine even surpasses her earthly life-- her memory lingers in the minds of those who love her and is as powerful as she herself is when she is alive. From beginning to end, "Wuthering Heights" is dominated by Catherine Earnshaw.
From the Paper "This undying love for Catherine is shared by Heathcliff, who arrives at Thrushcross Grange after a disappearance of three years, ignoring the fact that Catherine is married. Though Edgar resents his being in his house, Heathcliff frequently visits Catherine at the Grange until he and Edgar have a fight and he is banned from seeing Catherine. Nevertheless, Heathcliff, with help from Nelly, secretly meets with her one last time. They talk of their love for one another, asking forgiveness for all of the wrongs they imposed upon one another. When Catherine accuses him of forgetting her someday, Heathcliff replies, ? . . . you know that I could as soon forget you as my existence!? (156). Holding Catherine tightly and realizing that he is losing her to the one force to which his vengeance means nothing, Heathcliff cries in despair, "Oh, Cathy! Oh, my life! How can I bear it"? (156). Catherine dies early the next morning and is buried in a corner or the kirkyard near the moors she and Heathcliff loved so much."
Abstract This paper discusses the importance of the life and contribution of St Catherine to the time when Italy was ridden with plague, schism and political and religious turmoil. It especially discusses the importance of her letters which were St. Catherine's trademark - powerful and effective letters that proved that her hope in the Lord is never in vain.
From the Paper "Catherine Benincasa was born in 1347 in Siena, just as the Renaissance era was beginning (Jrgensen, 1938). She was a generous, happy child, whose life was inspired by a remarkable experience, which most likely determined her vocation. One day, she was walking with her brother when she stopped still in the road, looking up into the sky.
She did not hear the calls of her brother, who had walked on ahead. Only after he came back and grabbed her by the hand did she snap out of her trance and burst into tears. She had seen a vision of Christ seated in glory with the Apostles Peter, Paul, and John, which inspired her to dedicate her life to God."
Tags: god, letter, italy, religion, catholic, church
Abstract This paper gives an insight into the religious life of Catherine of Siena, with an emphasis on her mystical life. The author discusses the influences of the young saint, her seclusion in a convent, and her written experiences with God in the ten sections of "The Dialogue".
From the Paper "Catherine's mystical experiences were nothing crazy or out of the ordinary. Her experiences were typical mystical experiences. She prayed to God with her petitions, he revealed himself to her in the form of truth and light, and it left her satisfied. Catherine lived a short life. If she were to have lived longer, who knows how many other experiences she would have had."
Abstract This paper will discuss Catherine De Medici's role in France and how she influenced the political climate of her country. By showing examples of the prowess that she exuded over rival countries such as Spain, we can examine how she helped to transform politics in her arena of power.
Abstract This paper reviews the role Lady Catherine de Bourgh plays in Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice'. The paper discusses this relatively minor character whose presence is formidable and whose role is important. This paper examines the important role she plays in plot and character development in Pride and Prejudice.
Consideration will be given in the first instance to these aspects, but consideration will also be given to any light this character may shed on the debate as to Austen's possible feminist sentiments.
Abstract This paper reviews and analyzes the short story "Chicken Hips" by Catherine Pigott. The writer relates that she found the story very absorbing because of its gentle humor and the many lessons it teaches about what it is like to be a woman in a world where stereotypes abound. The paper then discusses the following issues from the story: the social construction of beauty, the life lesson of doing the right thing and not simply the popular thing, and the impressionability of human beings.
Table of Contents:
Outline of Paper
Why "Chicken Hips" Matters
From the Paper "Whereas North American - and European - women cut and shape and torment their bodies to fit some artificial construct of what constitutes true feminine beauty, women in Gambia, who have seen more desperation and suffering than most of their white colleagues can imagine, are interested in the things that really matter: health, fecundity, and a positive self-image. In the end, their culture is far less so an artificial one because the exigencies of daily living in a part of the world where drought and pestilence can rear up at any moment have made Gambian women appreciate that only those who never have to fear going without can actually afford to make the bizarre choice of going without."
Tags: humor, narrator, self-image, culturally-constructed, health
From the Paper "Garrett Mattingly, in Catherine of Aragon, aims to create a more complex and significant portrait of Catherine and her life than previously drawn by others:
[I]t was borne in upon me that the Queen Catherine
. . . was a different person, more cultured and thoughtful, more forceful and decisive, than the one I had read about elsewhere. . . . (i).
Catherine has been portrayed as a woman whose significance was measured almost entirely by her relationship with men, with Henry, with the Pope, with the need of others for her to bear a son, or as a rival to Ann Boleyn for Henry's affections. She is often seen as a person who had little to contribute aside from child-bearing, aside from her marriage, aside from her role as symbolic leader."
An examination of the Chancellor of England's (More) refusal to support the King's request for an annulment of the marriage to Catherine of Aragon and his remarriage to Boleyn in context of 16th century spiritual and political conflict.
2,700 words (approx. 10.8 pages), 10 sources, 1994, $ 95.95
From the Paper "The purpose of this research is to examine why Thomas More, chancellor of England at the time of Henry VIII's marriage to Anne Boleyn, refused to support Henry's request for an annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon and remarriage to Boleyn. The plan of the research will be to set forth the essential elements of the conflict, including the issues that confronted the major players, and then to discuss, with reference to the text of contemporaneous documents of church and state, More's position as articulated in them and in More's public and private correspondence.
The essential elements of the conflict over More's refusal to support the annulment can be seen in the wide context of conflicting spiritual and political priorities that dominated Europe during the Renaissance, and in the narrower context of...:
