Abstract
The discussion centers on the concept of martyrdom as illustrated in the lives of people who were persecuted as a result of their courage and belief in a different version of Christianity. It specifically focuses on Saint Polycarp, St Perpetua and the confessors of Lyons and Vienne. In addition, the paper analyzes the types of martyrdom shown through these individuals, asserting that each developed his/her own kind of description and fulfillment of how martyrdom is and should be.

From the Paper
"This figurative explication of her suffering and eventual joy as she journeyed towards heaven provided a glimpse of how Christians, during the 2nd and 3rd centuries, were able to accept their fate as martyrs for the Lord, and be able to accomplish, indeed, the act of becoming a martyr. St Perpetua is identified as the "normative" martyr, because she experienced and acted martyrdom based on what was expected of her as a believer of God and firm follower of Christianity. Moreover, because the role of bearing witness to God's good news is a privileged role ("not more than one might go up at one time"), St Perpetua further internalized her being the 'chosen one'--as a martyr, a firm believer who will sacrifice her life for God and Christianity."

Tags:faith, clergy, suffering, testament

Abstract
This paper examines how, while the concept and theme of female sovereignty in medieval literature may seem oddly out of place to modern readers, it did, in fact, exist. In particular, it looks at how Geoffrey Chaucer's "Wife of Bath's Tale", from the "Canterbury Tales", and John Gower's 'Tale of Florent", from the "Confessio Amantis" are two tales that involve the theme of female sovereignty. It attempts to show how views of women during Chaucer and Gower's time were considerably misogynistic and how, even in the church, women were not treated equally. It discusses how the belief that women were essentially evil influenced medieval literature and, while the concept of freedom depended on the social class that women belonged to, they were nonetheless treated as possessions. Although the tales by Chaucer and Gower were similar in story and theme, it may be the "voices" of the characters of the Wife of Bath and the Confessor that helped shape our views of female sovereignty in literature.

From the Paper
"Gower"s tale shows efficiency of plot, has amusing descriptions of the "lothy" woman; and the interesting dilemmas that Florent finds himself in; and the skill with which the confessor (narrator) has recast a tale that "clerkes . . . this chance herde" (1.1856) and wrote down "in evidence" (1.1857). "The tale of Florent is a good instance of Gower's ability to engage the reader in the circumstances and unfolding of a tale by intelligent filling out the mental action of the main characters and the physical experiences they go through" (Davenport 151). On the surface Chaucer's tale forms a romance narrative, but Chaucer "threw that kind of logic out the window when he invented for a romance a narrator who does not believe in it" (Davenport 159)."

Tags:social, class, freedom, church, gender

Abstract
The paper describes the proposed film on the Norman invasion of 1066, that will be filled with action, art, human relations and historical accuracy. The paper provides some historical background
on this period in English history and outlines the setting, cast and costumes to be used in this movie. The paper also considers the potential market for this movie.

Outline:
Introduction to Proposal
Historical Background
Location/Setting
Cast
Costumes
Potential Market

From the Paper
"The story begins amidst scandal and rivalry--a single throne sought by three men. A pious Catholic, Edward the Confessor, who would be canonized in 1161, left no heir to his throne because he had taken an oath of Chastity. Although he married at the insistence of his nobles, he and his wife lead a chaste lifestyle. A peaceful, kind, and devout king, Edward's rule was marked by a concern for his people, respect from other nations, and peace (George 1909). His death, however, was anything but peaceful. Harold Godwinson, Edward's advisor and brother-in-law, Willam Duke of Normandy, who claimed blood ties to the deceased, and Harald Hardrada, the King of Norway, who claimed a previous treaty entitling him to the throne, were all attempting to take the kingdom. Even more intriguing than a love-triangle, this triangle of conquerors, relatives, and royalty brought shame to the peaceful reign that Edward the Confessor had managed to secure. What ensued from this rivalry was a bloody, vicious battle. Although Hardrada and the Vikings struck first, they were decimated Harold's forces. William of Normandy, however, was able to conquer the area, becoming the next king of England. He was crowned in Westminster Abbey, the magnificent church that Edward the Confessor had built and in which was the first corpse buried (Invasion n/d)."

Tags:setting, cast, costumes, market, William, the, Conqueror, Edward, the, Confessor

Abstract
This paper explores the concept of nationalism in England in 1066, English unity, social make-up and the ferocity of their opposition to the invaders. It looks at how the Normans attempted to justify their conquest of England and, in particular, why. It examines how the ?rightful claimant to the throne? needed to put such an emphasis on the justification of the conquest. It looks at how William of Normandy held a strong claim to the English throne and how the Norman use of propaganda and their emphasis on the ?will of God? suggests there was a seed of doubt somewhere in the Norman establishment concerning legitimacy.

From the Paper
"To understand the Norman efforts to justify the conquest it is important to understand the nature of Anglo-Saxon England. How was Duke William of Normandy received? Did he face opposition because he was a foreigner or was it purely political? Anne Williams? provides an insight into English society much earlier than 1066, suggesting that the "emergence of Englishness" began as early as the 7th century . However, such an expression gives little more than a hint as to how developed and patriotic a society England was in the 11th century. The existence of patriotism in England is hard to identify in this period. Overseas invasions were not uncommon and it was only twenty-four years earlier that the Danish dynasty of Cnut had ruled."

Tags:castles, conquest, resistance, unity, william, edward, confessor