Abstract This paper explains that, by naming his Chancellor and friend, Thomas Becket, to be Archbishop of Canterbury, King Henry II created the devastating conflict between these men, which affected not only the English monarchy, but also the country of England itself. The author points out that King Henry II's reign can be broken down into three specific events: (1) his endeavors to reconstruct the England of his grandfather, which started his quarrel with Becket; (2) his efforts to develop the legal machinery of his grandfather and create a new foundation for English government, which was soon thwarted by Becket; and (3) his vain attempts to resolve the problems of governing a difficult empire and controlling an unruly family by placing his sons in a position as sub-rulers in the empire.
From the Paper "King Henry II (1154-1189) was obviously one of the most remarkable and tragic figures in English history. A great amount of information is known about him, for he lived and reigned during an age when it was common to observe about the monarchy through oral and written records, especially when a king such as Henry II was popular with contemporary society. However, a good deal of his subjects hated him and his numerous enemies found him too intelligent and overwhelming; those that were close to him, such as Thomas Becket, feared his occasional outbursts of great anger and were often exasperated by his unpredictable reactions to certain situations within his realm and his family."
Abstract This paper discusses how the "great quarrel" between King Henry II of England and Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, represents the most famous and well-documented church-state dispute in medieval England and how reasons for such eminence lie in its bloody and tragic end rather than in the quarrel itself. It contextualises the relationship between the medieval church and state by examining the nature of monarchial power and the religious dynamic of 12th century England. It examines the reasons for the dispute, the contemporary reaction to it and the repercussions.
From the Paper "Before Beckets accession to Archbishop he enjoyed a great friendship with Henry. Becket's appointment thus came as a result of this acquaintance, rather than his ecclesiastical background. Indeed Beckets only clerical position ? the Archdeaconry of Canterbury was of secular rather than ecclesiastical character. Furthermore, the reputation of Archdeacon's in the twelfth century was far from sound ? ?"they were given to extortion and injustice"? and Becket was reprimanded on more than one occasion . Conscious of the kings favouritism, combined with the thoroughness he attached to his jobs, it is possible that Becket set out to prove his ecclesiastical worth, having already proven his secular pedigree."
Abstract This paper examines how Henry II was capable ruler who introduced a number of legal and social reforms enabling England to turn into a prosperous nation. The author looks at Henry's early years, his ancestry, his marriage to Eleanor of Aquitaine, and his tumultuous friendship with Thomas Becket. The paper also explores his legal reforms, and Henry's role as a military leader.
From the Paper "Henry II was born in 1133 and died in 1189. He was the son of Matilda and Geoffrey of Anjou and the grandson of Henry I. Henry succeeded Stephen and married in 1152 to Eleanor of Aquitaine. Henry ruled an empire that stretched from the River Tweed to the Pyrenees. In spite of frequent hostilities with the French king, his own family and rebellious barons (culminating in the great revolt of 1173-74) and his quarrel with Thomas Beckett, Henry maintained control over his positions until shortly before his death. His judicial and administrative reforms, which greatly increased royal control and influence at the expense of the barons, were of great constitutional importance. One of the most remarkable things about Henry II of England is that he perfected the Norman government, which involved the tax and law system, and he was responsible for creating a capable and strong bureaucracy."
Abstract This study will analyze the complete lack of ethical, moral, and religious meanings in the plays of Tom Stoppard and Samuel Becket. By revealing the analysis by Arthur Miller on "Tragedy and the Common Man", we can surely see how this meaningless behavior in the characters of Waiting for Godot and Rosenkrantz and Guildenstien are Dead reveal, a play structure made for a modern tragedy.
Abstract The paper illustrates the use of distortion in art, literature, and theater using the examples of expressionism in art, William Faulkner's 'The Sound and the Fury' and Samuel Becket's play 'Waiting for Godot', in literature.
The paper highlights that expressionism is an art form that exemplifies exaggerated distortion in an attempt to further understand reality. In the literary world distortion is used in much the same way by representing absurdity and using distortion to explain important deceptions that make up every day life.
From the Paper "Expressionism was a movement in fine arts that emphasized the expression of inner experience rather than solely realistic portrayal, seeking to depict not objective reality but the subjective emotions and responses that objects and events arouse in the artist. It was an artistic style in which the artist sought to depict not objective reality but rather the subjective emotions and responses that objects and events arouse in him. The artist accomplished this through distortion, exaggeration, primitivism, and fantasy and through the vivid, jarring, violent, or dynamic application of formal elements."
From the Paper "When one puts any amount of thought into Shakespearean tragedy, the concept of catharsis, the link
between the tragic hero and the audience is most obvious. In T.S. Eliot's play, Murder in the Cathedral,
the audience has a much larger role than in traditional tragedy."
Abstract This paper describes "The Door of Saints" at the Cathedral of St John in Manhattan, New York. The author describes her impressions upon seeing the door at the church.
From the Paper "The cathedral at 110th Street in Manhattan was named The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine. I did not know that it was an Episcopalian Church until I saw the flag symbolizing the faith. But the title that was put on the cathedral and what faith it taught was insignificant because of it's grandeur and majesty. The first and foremost part of the cathedral that was visited was the North Door. It did represent a Romanesque cathedral but the statues of all the saints and martyrs seemed to tell a legend and a history lesson at the same time. To me it was also like a quick religion quiz in my head looking at the clues of the saints helping to identify whom was who. "
Abstract This is an analysis of the minimalist language used by Samuel Beckett in "Waiting for Godot". The author focuses on Beckett's genius in creating the dramatic dialogue of impossible speech in this absurdist drama, where language is a metaphor for the meaninglessness of the human condition.
From the Paper "Language is essential to drama. In a play the characters must speak to each other. In his absurdist drama, Waiting for Godot, Samuel Beckett uses language as a metaphor for the human condition. In the theatre of the absurd both life and language have lost all meaning. It follows that meaninglessness must be presented in meaningless words. In this work Beckett displays both courage and genius in creating the dramatic dialogue of impossible speech. Waiting for Godot demonstrates Beckett's expertise at paradox. He uses language to create a sense of the meaninglessness and futility of language. In reducing life to nothingness, or at least to its lowest common denominator, he must also reduce language to its bare minimum. This minimal language becomes the language of the nearly non-existent self subsisting in an absurdist world."
This paper examines the roles of martyrs in developing culture and asks what is worth dying for and what stories do the dead tell in examining famous martyrs such as Galileo, Thomas Becket andMartin Luther King, Jr..
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 5 sources, 1991, $ 79.95
From the Paper "There are a number of interesting issues to consider when thinking about martyrs, and the stories about them. In the contemporary popular vernacular, martyrs are not viewed positively. Calling someone a "martyr" is insulting them. Martyrs are equated with victims, or with people who choose to be long-suffering and then complain, or whine, about it. At the same time, specific historical martyrs are venerated or admired. People like Martin Luther King, Jr. are honored. What then is society's real view of martyrs and martyrdom?
As a corollary to that, what is the real role of martyrs in the development and maintenance of culture? Religion is often ... "
This paper discusses the historical context and accuracy of the
film "The Lion in Winter" (1968), directed by Anthony Harvey and based on the original stage play by James Goldman.
Abstract This paper describes the great historical epic film,"The Lion in Winter" about the later life of Henry II Plantagenet, King of England, from 1142 to 1189 A.D, when Henry was embroiled in a family dispute concerning his successor to the throne of England in 1183. The author believes that, because of its realistic portrayal of the characters, plot, setting and time frame, this film stands out as one of the best historical epics produced during the 1960s. The paper stresses that (1) the portrayal of the Plantagenet family is considered to be a true representatation of the actual persons and (2) the location of the film is in or near the King's residence in England.
From the Paper "Regarding Henry II's family, it could be said that within this often turbulent and violent arena, "war was their pleasure, but marriage was their business." This war aspect of the Plantagenets was based in part on Henry's complete unwillingness to share his special heritage with his wife and sons, a heritage of the Anglo-Saxon line via his grandmother Matilda and his father as the hereditary Count of Anjou. Also, through his marriage to Eleanor, Henry II laid claim to Aquitaine and other areas of France, including Brittany, Normandy, Gascony, Toulouse, Maine and Poitou, all of which made up the Angevin Empire."
