Abstract This paper analyzes the novel "Invitation to a Beheading" written by Vladimir Nabokov. It compares the biblical allusions of the novel to numerous verses found in the New Testament. The paper describes various scenes in the book and remarks on the number of allusions to the Bible that are quite evident. It cites the scenes and quotes from the Bible that support this reading of the novel.
From the Paper "Cincinnatus completely loses his head, but dies without even knowing it. The reader senses that Cincinnatus has gone on to bigger and better things especially after reading the last line, "Cincinnatus made his way in that direction where, to judge by the voices, stood beings akin to him.""
"This is a remarkable method of culminating a story and one that comes directly from the New Testament. In Mark 15:39 is stated; "And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.""
"One can almost imagine M'sieur Pierre standing over the body of Cincinnatus and in much the same manner stating; "truly this man was a man among men." Whether Vladimir Nabakov meant it to sound, or read, in that manner, is left entirely up to the reader's discretion, but the evidence is overwhelmingly in support of such a conjecture."
Abstract An analysis of religious symbols and their meanings to the characters in the story. This paper also includes a summary of the plot and its relevance to the time period.
From the Paper "In a time when nations were struggling with their religious identities, whether it was clinging to Catholic traditions or accepting the beliefs of Christianity, great writers emerged with their own views on the situation, often depicted subtly in fictitious works. The author of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight created a classic romance story, while still including elements from several religions and traditions, incorporating the history of the period."
Abstract This paper provides a brief explanation of the politics and personal relationship that led to the downfall of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII, and mother of Elizabeth I. The author examines the king's intense desire for his wife, and his even greater desire for a male heir to the throne.
From the Paper "On Friday, May 19, 1536 , Anne Boleyn, former Queen of England, was executed for high treason and adultery, her head severed from her body by an expert swordsman, the only concession given her by her ex-husband King Henry VIII. How, in so short a time, had the woman that Henry had defied the religious tradition of England for, divorcing his wife and changing the history of religion in his country, whom he pursued relentlessly for years, fallen so far, so quickly? To understand one must examine Henry's desperate need for a male heir, understand the politics of the time, and the personality of Anne Boleyn herself."
Abstract This paper presents a detailed look at the life of Sir Walter Raleigh. The writer of this paper takes the reader on an exploratory look at Sir Walter Raleigh and his accomplishments as well as his execution. It looks at his military career, his period as a traveler and explorer and finally his attempt at politics which lead to his beheading on charges of treason.
From the Paper "Throughout history, we have studied those who made a difference. There have been heroes and villains and everything in between, but rarely has there been such a mixed character as Sir Walter Raleigh. Sir Walter Raleigh was a man who penned love and died by execution and handled many different lifestyles in between. If one had to sum him up in one sentence it would be; "Sir Walter Raleigh was a versatile Renaissance Man".
When Sir Walter Raleigh was born it was in the mid 1500?s. One of the things he did that prepared him for the future events of his life was spend time as a volunteer in the Huguenot Army of France. While it was rumored that he studied for a while at Oxford he later became better known as a Courtier, Poet and Adventurer. As soon as he returned to England in 1581 Raleigh became a favorite and frequent guest of Queen Elizabeth the First(Life of Raleigh)"
Abstract This paper discusses Inge Scholl's moving book about her brother and sister, who formed a student group, the White Rose, to fight the Nazis with propaganda and intelligent arguments. They were beheaded for treason in 1943. The story is presented in detail. The author of the paper asks: "Did the White Rose members give up their lives in vain?" The author feels that the White Rose members should always be remembered for their bravery and strong belief in freedom for all.
From the Paper "At first, Sophie did not know her brother had any part in the leaflets, but when she visited his room, she saw a book marked with a passage that had been reprinted in the leaflets. She grew frightened because she knew her entire family was in danger if he was caught. Three more leaflets came out in a few more days, and they were found throughout Munich, sometimes in mailboxes. Some they were found in other southern German cities, too. Then the leaflets stopped because all the students had to fight in Russia during the summer break. Sophie went home, and while she was there, she heard from a nurse that all the children in the hospital for the mentally ill were sent to concentration camps and exterminated. While Hans and Werner were fighting, they found out their father was in prison for his remarks about Hitler. They took it as a "mark of distinction" (Scholl 39). On his way home, Hans gives a Jewish prisoner a daisy and a chocolate bar, and she put the daisy in her hair after he left."
From the Paper "I have but the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too, and think foul scorn that any Prince in Europe should dare to invade the orders of my realm.. --Queen Elizabeth I, 1533-1603
Egotistical, dominant, self-willed, and proud, but above all else, a woman, Queen Elizabeth I brought England to the seat of power and augured in a new age of English expansion, trade, and peace. It is not by her individual exploits, nor love affairs, nor fits of temper that give birth to the Elizabethan legend to this day. Rather, Elizabeth represented and continues to represent a period of English history marked by sheer force of her character internal fortitude, strength and prudence that..."
An examination of the relationship of Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn, her role in the history of England, her lovers, politics, charge of adultery and beheading.
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 11 sources, 1993, $ 79.95
From the Paper "Anne Boleyn was the second of the wives of King Henry VIII of England, and she was reported to be his favorite wife. The details of her life can be given in a short space--she was only 28 or 29 when she died at the hands of her husband, beheaded because she did not provide him with the heir (male) that he desired (she was the mother of Elizabeth I). She was born around 1507 and died in 1536. Henry became infatuated with her while he was married to Catherine of Aragon, and in order to marry the girl he had to divorce his wife, a step that required breaking with the Roman Catholic Church. Anne and Henry were married in January 1533, and Anne gave birth to Elizabeth in September. Henry soon lost interest in Anne, however, and after the stillbirth of a boy in 1536, he had her arrested and tried for adultery. She was beheaded on May 19, 1536. "
Abstract This paper examines how women in Africa are one of the most oppressed and abused women in the world and how they have little, if any legal rights, stemming from the cultural and religious beliefs of the countries. Aside from the female genital mutilations, the nightly news is filled with stories of beheadings of Muslim women for acts or even suspected acts of prostitution, adultery and lesser crimes. It looks at how crimes like these are never prosecuted, women have no rights to land and are constantly oppressed economically, socially, domestically, politically, traditionally, culturally and sexually. It concludes with how awareness and education are the key to rescuing African women from the bonds of oppression.
From the Paper "Theologians and dedicated lay persons have for roughly twenty years, shared the passion for an ?African Christianity,? which sparked Dr. Mercy Oduyoye's ?Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians. Founded in 1989, in the Ghanaian capital, Accra, this organization promotes women's theological education throughout Africa, and encourages reflection on the "influence of religion and culture on the lives of women"(Evans pg). Their creed, a composition of the women theologians says, "We confess our failures, frailties and imperfections, including our past acceptance of violence and injustice in relations between men and women" (Evans pg). Participants, numbering roughly one hundred from over fifteen African countries, note that "violence against women is any gender-based act which causes physical, sexual, or psychological suffering to women, compromising their gifts or diminishing full expression of their dignity and humanity" (Evans pg)."
Abstract This paper discusses that the flexibility of the image of David can be seen from the earliest Christian art through the High Renaissance. This paper refers to his portrayal as king in the Utrecht Psalter of the early ninth century, a depiction of the beheading of Goliath on a sculptured capital from the twelfth-century pilgrimage church at Vezelay and excerpts from the Davidic narrative in a thirteenth century psalter from Canterbury. The author states that the uses of the figure of David makes a point regarding the position of the Church in relation to secular authorities.
From the Paper "The key to medieval iconography was long thought to reside solely in the "more restricted religious or dogmatic purposes" of Christian imagery, but it was also understood that political questions that involved the church were frequently commented on by the symbolic content of many works (Alexander 6). Once scholars began to look at Christian art as "a representational matrix that both codified and strengthened social values and thus ensured social cohesion" throughout Christendom; however, the full range of concerns addressed by the work has become more apparent (6)."
This paper discusses Christopher Hill's "The World turned Upside Down", which is considered the best historical account of the English Revolution of the 17th century.
Abstract This paper explains that Hill's book, which broke new ground in historical investigation, brings forth a story of a revolution that was quietly taking place in England while Oliver Cromwell ordered the beheading of Charles I. The author points out that the Levellers, Quakers, and Diggers, together with other minor shared a common vision and tried to introduce change in the strict political and social systems of Britain. The paper relates that, while the movements fell apart with the restoration of monarchy, these visionaries are responsible for implanting the seeds of change, which later led to development of a modern, more equal, and fairer society.
From the Paper "The one major weakness of the book is the inability of the author to trace the true identity of these radicals. Who were they, which income group did they belong to, which area had they come from and were there more radicals in one area and less in another. Well these questions have largely remained unanswered as Hill focuses on their aims and accomplishments. We must also not forget that while these radical groups had one specific aim such as social and political change, they did not stand united on every issue. There were some division of thought, which might have been the cause of their failure later in 17th century, but their unity for most part was the main highlight of this radical period."
Abstract In this paper the author describes the common elements in the many Gawain stories and how they may often be traced to the hero-god Cuchulainn's characteristics in the Irish story, Bricriu's Feast. The paper begins by outlining Gawain's literary origins and then discusses the important motifs of the Gawain stories: the Beheading Game and the Imperious Host of an otherworldly castle who imposes tests on his guests. Next the paper discusses sir Gawain's courtesy: the courtesy tests he undergoes at the castle of the Imperious Host, his consistent tact and courtesy, and how this is set in opposition to Sir Kay's surliness. This is followed by an examination of Malory's more convoluted representation of Gawain's personality in his "Morte D'Arthur" and an analysis of his relationships with maidens: his many lovers, his bachelorhood, and the theory that he may once have had a divine consort. The paper then examines his waxing and waning strength, which supports the idea that he, like Cuchulainn, may have once been associated with a solar deity. Finally, the paper concludes that the essential elements of Gawain's story seem to have a common Celtic origin that has several parallels to Bricriu's Feast.
From the Paper "The origin of sir Gawain is mythic rather than historical and the subject of much debate. Gawain cannot be traced to any character in history, but he does possess many qualities that associate him with Celtic myth, particularly the hero-god Cuchulainn. As paganism was subsumed by Christianity, the Gawain stories entered Christian chronicle and romance. The earliest reference to Gawain may be from William of Malmesbury in 1125 and Weston cites a Professor Zimmer who claims "that the heroes [of the Arthurian tales] were well known in Italy by 1010." Authors such as Hall point out the Welsh Gwalchmei as the earliest equivalent, but Loomis counters that by the second half of the eleventh century, when the Mabinogion was written, the Welsh were borrowing legends from Britain. "
Abstract Thomas More's "Utopia" holds a special place in both literature and history. The paper discusses how the book is a unique exercise of imagination that culminates in a science-fiction like vision of the ideal society. It also, however, reveals More's development of a social and religious consciousness that would eventually be responsible for his death and martyrdom. The writer shows how the book exposes More's individual perspective regarding European society, which lays the foundation for communism, and his deep reverence for the traditional hierarchies of Christianity that so many have come to associate with his trial and beheading.
From the Paper "Thomas More was born on February 7, 1478, in the historical setting of European expansion and subsequent enlightenment. At the age of six he traveled to London to attend St. Anthony's-a grammar school in which he studied Latin. In 1492 he was nominated by Archbishop John Morton to study at Canterbury College and was exposed for the first time to the writings of Aristotle and Plato. The following year More left college to study law at New Inn, London, and he proved quite adept at the subject. "At Lincoln's Inn More's study of law involves the belief that judicial decisions are ultimately grounded in divine authority and as such foundational to human society." This constitutes the foundation for More's premise that law holds an essential position concerning the governance of man in that it is handed down from authority, and therefore, supersedes private or personal judgments regarding individuals' actions. More eventually became associated with the Carthusian Church in 1501, where he lectured on Augustine's City of God. Four years later he decided to enter the public arena and married his first wife, Jane, who died at the age of twenty-two; More married again only one month following her death."
Abstract This paper reviews the so-called Reign of Terror in France from 1789 to 1799. The author details King Louis XVI's attempts -- and failings -- at financial reform and the public's increasing resentment of the monarchy's lavish lifestyle. It then examines the development of the radical Montagnards, which opposed the monarchy and pushed to try King Louis for treason in 1793.
From the Paper "From 1789 to 1799 France was in a state of revolution that resulted in the overthrow of the monarchy and radical changes in the structure of the French government. The monarchy and nobility, along with the officials of the church and the middle class had been unable to deal with the problems that had been seething among the poor. Peasants were taxed exorbitantly and the working class was impoverished."
Abstract The paper shows how King Henry VIII created the modern conceptual model for English governance. The paper details the events of Henry's reign including his divorce of Catherine of Aragon and his marriage and eventual beheading of Ann Boleyn, and highlights his changing relationship with both Parliament and the Pope. The paper also discusses Henry's institutional foundation of secularism and his support of high culture in the court.
From the Paper "King Henry VIII was one of the most formative influences upon England during the early Renaissance. He created the modern conceptual model for English governance, an England that depended upon human, monarchal authority, rather than Church influence. The relationship between Parliament and King developed under Henry was unique for its day, and later enabled England to engage in electoral reforms, rather than undergo violent rebellions to enfranchise the populace like the European Continent in the 19th century."
Abstract This paper discusses how the violence that has occurred because of drug trafficking has hit grotesque proportions - with beheadings, kidnappings, and gun fights, threatening the security of two nations - Mexico and the U.S. and how few parts of the United States are immune to drug-trafficking organizations beginning in Mexico. The paper examines the roots of the problem which stem from the free trade agreement between the US and Mexico set up by NAFTA in 1994. The paper also looks at attempts to crackdown on Mexican drug cartels such as the militarization of the United States-Mexico border.
From the Paper "Some Mexicans, that is, the Mexicans who can afford it are now going to great lengths to protect themselves from the drug cartels. In a New York Times article, author Marc Lacey reveals that bodyguards are becoming more and more common among regular people in Mexico. It would seem that the movie "Man on Fire" starring Denzel Washington as a bodyguard hired to protect a young Dakota Fanning in Mexico City is a reality of the lengths parents will go to protect their children. Kidnappings are common in Mexico, especially kidnappings of children from upper class families; families who can afford to pay to get their children back. In Mexico, having wealth comes with a very high price tag: the constant fear of being killed for that money."
