Abstract
This paper examines the English Renaissance in terms of the reassessment of the classical heritage. It argues that the defining quality of the English Renaissance is in applying a critical approach to ancient learning as opposed to the fawning attitude of the Italians. Contained within this critical approach is a balancing of the old and the new, so that the new exemplars such as Petrarch, Dante, Aristo and Tasso are sometimes mentioned in the same breath as with the ancients. The paper illustrates this phenomenon through the works of the premier classicist of his age, Ben Jonson. Among these works "Volpone" is singled out for particular consideration. Special emphasis is laid on the characters Sir Politic and Lady Would with regard to how they portray typical attitudes of the English Renaissance.

From the Paper
"The play is essentially a farce, with an abundance of incidence, and with a plethora of unsavoury characters, practicing their wiles on each other and ending up in convoluted situations. There is an explicit and straightforward moral message in the end, because Volpone and all those who covet his wealth end up caught and punished by law. However, there are more subtle readings possible, which concern the conflict between the classical order and the emerging ethos of the times. The setting in Venice is the first significant detail. The city was viewed as the epicentre of the renaissance, and therefore a perfect backdrop in which to present the new fashions. A large number of the Elizabethan and Jacobean plays are set in the prosperous and mercantile cities of Italy, and with the same object of alluding to the emerging trends at home. Jonson is more ambitious, however, and therefore introduces the travelling nobles Sir Politic and Lady Would-be, who exemplify all the abuses of classicism that Jonson would highlight. "

Tags:Elizabethan, Jacobean, Volpone, classical, heritage

Abstract
This paper explores misogynist elements in English Renaissance poetry, with particular emphasis on the works of Ben Jonson, William Shakespeare and John Donne. First, the paper defines Petrarchan love, showing how it was the model for the idealized, courtly views of women during the middle ages. Then, the paper describes how Jonson, Shakespeare and Donne subvert, reject and mock Petrarchan conventions in order to overpower and subdue women, and by analogy, Queen Elizabeth I. Various examples of chauvinistic literary representations of women are cited, such as their representations as monsters, and taming these monsters. The paper concludes by stating that the literary degradation of women was a means for men to reassert their power when serving a female ruler.

From the Paper
"The concept of female, exposed as a mere shadow, insignificant and negligible, undermines courtly gender roles. This demystification continues in Jonson's "LVII: An Elegy," a poem which represents women not only as faulty but also as evil. The poet lists women's features to create a hideous "whole", for instance, mentioning their bad breath or their "treacherous breasts". Moreover, according to this poem, the faithful woman does not exist "To make the doubt clear, that no woman's true."(1). However, there is a very pronounced double standard. Although the poet loathes the monster-woman, he still desires her sexually. "

Tags:Ben Jonson, William Shakespeare, John Donne, chauvinism, sexism

Abstract
This paper looks at the Renaissance era and its affect on lifestyles. It focuses on England in particular and the reign of the Tudor Monarchs and changes which took place under their rule.

Tags:Renaissance, art, music, architecture, science, humanism, Tudor era

Abstract
In this paper the author examines the theme of tragedy that runs through this play. In so doing he looks at the primary relationships in the play - the relationship between the Cardinal, the Duchess and Ferdinand and the relationship between the Duchess and Antonio which he suggests is central to the play. He also suggests that the character of Bosola is an additional factor in the events that lead to the tragic end. The author examines each of these factors in turn, looking at the characters involved, their characteristics and the meaning of each factor and concludes by showing, not only how all these events led to the tragic ending, but also what meaning this has for the reader.

From the paper:

"The central tragedy of the play is that of the Duchess. She is represented as a fine woman in terrible circumstances. Her tragic flaw is her need to follow her heart. She defies the reality of the situation and makes the decision to marry Antonio and ultimately suffers for this choice. The tragedy of the situation is that she does nothing wrong. Her relationship with Antonio is pure. Even with the tragedy that results, she accepts this as a consequence of loving Antonio and accepts her fate."

Tags:play, illicit, love, revenge, murder, tragedy, demise, heroine, duchess, family, values, ferdinand, antonio, bosola, evil, good, society, struggle

Abstract
This paper provides an overview of why, in "Self-Crowned Laureates," Richard Helgerson places English Renaissance writers within a patronage system that frequently influenced the content of their works. To this end, an analysis of Ben Jonson's poem "To Penshurst" and his "Masque of Blackness"; Aemilia Lanyer's poems "The Description of Cooke-ham" and "Salve Deus Rex Judaeorum"; John Milton's masque "Comus," and Mary Wroth's "Urania" is conducted to determine what or why these works were written, as well as the specific patrons that provided these Renaissance writers with political or social favors or monetary remuneration in exchange for their services. An assessment of how women writers from this era frequently dedicated their writings to powerful figures is followed by an analysis of how the appeal to a patron authorized these writers to act and the manner in which these poets advance themselves socially through their art. A discussion of how class difference troubled or enhanced these writers is provided in the conclusion.

Outline
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The patronage system under which Jonson created was one in which he was compelled write for the gentry but he was not that happy about it, because he thought himself the better person because of his talent, whereas the aristocracy had money but not talent. Yet he had to write such works as "To Penshurst" just to make a living and in the hopes, too, that he could raise up in society. In this regard, Loewenstein and Mueller (2002) report that, "Literature became the unofficial currency of the patronage system - well-turned sonnets, graceful compliments and effusive book-dedications being among the recognized ways by which hopeful candidates would present themselves for the job. Patronage came in all shapes and sizes, from permanent positions to more sporadic offerings, gifts or payments in kind" (346). In this regard, Briggs (1997) emphasizes that Jonson's poem, "To Penshurst," is absolutely rife with effusive praise for one such landholder who was deemed benevolent simply by virtue of not being evil. "

Tags:Aemilia, Lanyer, Ben, Johnson, milton, mary, roth

Abstract
This paper traces the emergence of the individuated voice through poetry and literature as effected through the English renaissance. The paper considers how poets like Wyatt adopt metrical forms of poetry from the Italian renaissance and use it for idiosyncratic and individual expression. The paper also considers Sidney's seminal argument in "The Apology for Poetry" which promotes poetry as a moral vehicle for cultural advancement. Marlowe's "Doctor Faustus" is also used for illustration.

From the Paper
"The rhyme pattern of 'aabab' in iambic tetrameter is highly lyrical, and the lyricism is carried forward in successive stanzas by continuing the rhyme of the third and fifth line of every stanza. But more than the form it is the expressiveness that contributes most towards the lyricism. The tone is plaintively indignant, where the jilted lover is pouring scorn on the object of his love. The emotion is raw and personal, such as is felt in the lines: "Vengeance shall fall on thy disdain / That makest but game on earnest pain" (Ibid 99). The simplicity of the rhyme chimes perfectly with the simplicity of the passion, which goes to emphasize the lyrical quality. In many places Wyatt employs half rhymes; like in the opening two stanzas we have "last / waste" and "none / stone". The fact is that we hardly seem to notice, and this is due to the high degree of lyricism achieved throughout. "

Tags:Doctor, Faustus, sonnet, meter

Abstract
This paper explains that the idea of a defensive navy, as today, was not the reason for creating a navy during the Renaissance; the English created a navy to plunder and to protect themselves from plundering, and defense was secondary. The author points out that probably one of the greatest and most well known English sea captains was Sir Francis Drake, who helped Elizabethan England fight off the advancing Spanish Armada in 1588, which sealed England's superiority on the seas. The paper relates that the actual Royal Navy really did not come about until the time of Charles V; before this time, the royals owned a few ships that were considered a navy, but there were no real rules or order to the ships or service on them.

From the Paper
"Before the fifteenth century, Great Britain was primarily occupied with issues at home, such as the Hundred Years' War and other civil issues. Exploration was left to other countries, such as Portugal and Spain. However, during the fifteenth century, all that changed, and England began to actively pursue exploration and discovery, especially in the Atlantic. By 1496, explorers such as John Cabot, an Italian living in Bristol, had obtained permission to begin exploring the globe, especially looking for spice trades to the west, which most people felt was the way to reach Asia and the Indies. In 1497, Cabot set sail, and within three months he was back in England, convinced he had found the eastern shore of Asia. Most people believe he actually found Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, or Labrador."

Tags:maneuverable, exploration, plunder, drake, superiority

Abstract
This paper examines how Hughes' poetry captures the African-American spirit in moments of frustration and freedom, focusing on how the experience of one can influence the experience of many. In particular, it looks at how his poems, "Harlem" and "Theme for English B" illustrate this dynamic of his poetry and how, through vivid imagery and though-provoking questions, Hughes' addresses the issues that were important to a generation of African-Americans living in a tumultuous time.

From the Paper
""Theme for English B" also reflects upon the African-American life. This poem presents a different angle, coming from the point of view of a student that is the "only colored student" (10) in his class. The poet mentions Harlem twice early in the poem to help establish his identity, which is continually explored throughout the rest of the poem. Kristine Zarlengo observes that the poem is "Hughes's sustained effort at crafting a thoroughly modern, thoroughly relevant poem" (Zarlengo). Relevant in that the poet successfully achieve in asking the right questions and making the right assertions about different human experiences. Johnson asserts that poetry for Hughes undoubtedly associated with "self-expression and self-exploration, especially when the 'self' is understood to mark the identity of an individual who is always affected by and affecting a larger culture" (Johnson). In "Theme for English B" as well as "Harlem," we find the poet yearning to express and explore as to educate others as much as possible. "

Tags:Theme, for, English, B, African-American

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."

Tags:Elizabeth, Church, governance, Parliament, poetry, drama, culture

Abstract
The paper discusses Hughes's work and its relation to the Harlem Renaissance period. It explains how Langston Hughes is one of the premier writers of the Harlem Renaissance period, when black artists came into their own in America. The Harlem Renaissance helped other Americans understand the needs and feelings of blacks and helped create lasting careers for many black artists, including Hughes. Hughes continued to write about the plight of black Americans throughout his life, and his works are still vital and lasting tributes to the struggles of blacks everywhere in their quest for freedom and equality.

From the Paper
"The Harlem Renaissance was an artistic movement during the 1920s, which took place in the Harlem district of New York City. By the 1920s, many black Americans who had left their lives in the South and moved north to improve themselves, had settled in Harlem, and the district was well known as a black enclave in the city. Musicians, artists, and writers seemed to congregate in the Harlem area, and it became an community of the black arts, including jazz and blues music, poetry, painting, and just about every art form. There were many different artists associated with the Renaissance, including Arna Bontemps, Countee Cullen, Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, James Weldon Johnson, Claude McKay, and Jean Toomer, among many others. The Harlem Renaissance flourished during the 1920s, and brought many people a new understanding the black's subjugation and discrimination. The movement faded with time, especially after the Great Depression began in the 1930s."

Tags:black, america