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Medieval and Renaissance Literature, 2002.
An analysis of literature from these eras, using works by William Shakespeare and Geoffrey Chaucer as examples.
650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 3 sources, £ 18.95
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Abstract
This paper will contrast medieval literature with the Elizabethan literature of the Renaissance and will compare them as well. By understanding these two different literary worlds, we can see how they are similar and how they differ. Three of Shakespeare's sonnets will be compared and contrasted with "The Pardoner's Tale" and the "Knight's Tale" of "The Canterbury Tales" by Chaucer and "Sir Patrick Spence" by Anonymous.
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Guillaume Dufay Music from Medieval and Renaissance Music, 2006.
An examination of Guillaume Dufay's music and its origins.
34 words (approx. 0.1 pages), 6942 sources, MLA, £ 12.95
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Abstract
In this paper the author looks at what Guillaume Dufay's music meant in terms of music history. The author starts with a look at the Gregorian chant from Medieval times which was the main form of sacred music, how it developed and what it gave to modern music. The paper continues with a look at the other forms of music that have developed over the years and contributed to the work of Guillaume Dufay. In particular the author highlights the development of church music in the Renaissance period which, as he points out was the basis for Dufay's music compositions. The author discusses the life and works of Dufay's music as a move towards a clearly defined tonal and functional harmonic structure. The author believes that this helped prepare one of the most important stylistic developments in music of the following century. In conclusion the author reminds us that we are lucky to have the musical pieces that have been curated and restored. A number of Dufay's as well as other composers from that era had masterpieces destroyed because of the political climate.
Outline:
Table of Contents
Introduction
Gregorian Chant
Motet
Troubadour Influence
The Development of Musical Notation
Polyphony
Machaut
Guillaume Dufay a Biography
Dufay's Music
Dufay and Faux-bourdon
Dufay's Motets
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Dufay began composing at a time when musical style was in a period of relative stability and changing that style was not readily accepted. Dufay cannot be thought of as one of the great revolutionaries in Western music; the term 'originality' in the classic sense of the word was not familiar to him. This is not to say, however, that Dufay was in any way lacking of originality or he was in any way reactionary. Quite to the contrary, he played an integral role in the development of faux-bourdon and the cyclic mass. He was one of the first composers to handle four-voice texture with any kind of convincing skill before the end of the 15th century. Furthermore, his attempt to move towards a clearly defined tonal and functional harmonic structure helped prepare one of the most important stylistic developments of the following century. Dufay's works and compositions have come to be known as the supremely polished works of a long period of slow and serene stylistic change."
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Medieval Epic Literature, 2008.
Looks at gender ideals in medieval epic literature as presented in "Beowulf", "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" and Geoffrey Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales".
1,435 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the medieval masculine and feminine ideals are very well represented in three major texts of English literature: "Beowulf", "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" and Geoffrey Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales". The main heroes and their female companions in these three texts share very important features, both physically and psychically, which indicates that there is a pattern in medieval literature regarding the essential characteristics of a virtuous individual. The author contends that the main necessary features for the male hero are honor, prowess, valor and purity of heart; however, the female characters, who are also very virtuous, pure and extremely beautiful, are passive characters that serve only as instruments to men's actions.
From the Paper
"The male ideal briefly sketched above is complemented by the female ideal of such characters as Wealhtheow, King Hrothgar's wife in "Beowulf", or Guinevere, King Arthur's wife. Both are perfect beauties and virtuous, gentle persons. However, they are no more than icons, without a real importance. Although Wealhtheow seems to play a role in the poem as she makes two speeches in important moments of the action and performs ritualistic acts, she is actually just an instrument in the very masculine world of the epic. Women do no play a role as such in the medieval society, although they can have some value as emblems for purity and beauty."
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Medieval Literature and Christian Themes, 2007.
An analysis of the influence that Christianity had on Medieval European literature.
919 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 22.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the influence of Christianity on Western (particularly European) literature in the medieval period of world history. It addresses and puts into perspective some of those influences. The paper gives some examples which are found in several published books and journals to illustrate the influence that Christianity had at the time.
From the Paper
"Although the great literary "masterpieces" of Medieval Germany "often lack specific Christian references," the Notre Dame Introduction to Anthropology continues, "the impact of religious values is always present." In the book, The City of God, Christian concepts of "virtue and vice and interlaced with ingredients of a knight's courtly behavior. The Notre Dame narrative admits that there is "controversy among scholars" today as to whether some works which are not "obviously moral or didactic in tone" are expressing "normal medieval" ways of approaching subjects. Still, that having been said, it would be "equally questionable," the narrative asserts, to imagine that any literature, "however secular in conception," could have been written without being permeated by "the prevailing intellectual climate, which was thoroughly Christian.""
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Women in Medieval English Literature, 2002.
An exploration of the role of women in medieval English literature through the examination of different works such as "Beowulf", "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" and many other religious and secular lyrics.
1,927 words (approx. 7.7 pages), 12 sources, MLA, £ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper attempts to recognize the modern vision of an ?empowered woman? in medieval English literature since numerous female characters, both religious and secular, demonstrate a power far beyond the traditional sphere of the subservient woman. Examples of such women are the Virgin Mary who appears in many works and the female characters in "Beowulf".
From the Paper
"The medieval romance Sir Gawain and the Green Knight also presents the Virgin Mary as a key figure, able to influence men for the better by personifying Christian values, ?representing spiritual love, chastity, obedience and life?(Arkin). At his moment of testing, Gawain draws strength from the image of the Virgin Mary etched on his shield. Mary?s symbolic power, here, is as important as her power to act ? merely seeing her face is a reminder of the courtly ideal. The effects of Mary on medieval literature, as intermediary, voluntary mother, and representative of Christianity, should not be underestimated."
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Mythical Components of Medieval Travel Literature, 2000.
An explanation for the fantastical components of medieval travel literature.
2,460 words (approx. 9.8 pages), 7 sources, £ 52.95
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From the Paper
"To the modern person many of the claims made by the writers of medieval travel literature seem completely outlandish and impossible to believe. The truth is, however, we have a society that has been pretty much isolated from contact with the majority of the world for a fairly long period of time. The peasants of these small hamlets would never venture outside their village for their entire life. Generation after generation of these people tilled the same soil and lived in the same home for hundreds of years and never saw anything even the slightest bit out of the ordinary for these incredibly prolonged periods of time. Therefore, when the first crusaders returned from the east describing things such as camels or travellers to India describing elephants and other such animals that are not normally found in Europe, we have the medieval persons idea of their world being changed dramatically. If such incredible creatures can exist, then why not the people with one gigantic foot that they use to shade themselves from the sun, as represented in the most important Travel literature of the period, the writings of Sir John Mandeville."
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Female Sovereignty in Medieval Literature, 2002.
A comparative analysis of Geoffrey Chaucer's "Wife of Bath" and John Gower's "Tale of Florent".
3,637 words (approx. 14.5 pages), 16 sources, MLA, £ 71.95
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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)."
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Gender and Sexuality in Medieval Literature, 2008.
The paper examines women and sexuality in Giovanni Boccaccio's "The Decameron" and Visnu Sarma's "The Pancantantra."
1,799 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 40.95
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Abstract
The paper presents the hypothesis that, contrary to the opinions of several modern historians, the writings of Giovanni Boccaccio's "The Decameron" and Visnu Sarma's "The Pancantantra" represent accurate medieval thought regarding the status and treacherous nature of women. The paper shows how there are vast similarities between the women portrayed in Boccacio's work and those portrayed in "The Panchantantra", with both presenting a decidedly male perspective. The paper relates that the Panchantantra is stronger evidence that these attitudes prevailed in society and were not merely the views of the author himself.
Outline:
Boccacio: An Exploration in Florence, Italy
Sexuality in the Panchantantra
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Giovanni Bocaccio lived in the early to mid 1300s. He was embroiled in the precarious glory that embodied the city of Florence, Italy during that time. Boccacio's works provide the reader with a candid glimpse of politics, morality, and gender roles of the time. There are several differences between beliefs about sexuality in Boccacio's time and in the modern era.
"The first difference is the modern stereotype that males are more likely to experience insatiable sexual desire than women. During the Middle Ages, it was believed that women were much more susceptible to sexual desire than men. Men were considered to be more rational and closer to the spiritual realm than women. Women were considered to be carnal and materialistic, even if they were nuns."
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The Renaissance, 2002.
This paper examines the cultural, social and political transition of Medieval Europe through the Renaissance.
1,845 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the Medieval Europeans wanted to restore their ancient heritage because of problems within their society; thereby, they molded parts of the Renaissance culture on the revival of their lost Greek and Roman heritage to find answers of faith, art and philosophy. The author points out that, because the Christian church was being overrun by corruption and he saw the need to revert back to a pure faith, Pico, a Renaissance philosopher, reconciled Platonic and Christian philosophy, stressing both the classical emphasis on human responsibility in shaping society and the religious trust in God's divine plan. The paper stresses that the Renaissance not only brought about imitation but also created new philosophies and saw the beginning of a religious revolution challenging the Catholic Church such as Martin Luther and John Calvin.
From the Paper
"The Renaissance saw the re-establishment of Greek and Roman culture. This revival of the "Golden Age" blossomed from the hope of a better society. During the Middle Ages, a period of chaos and problematic situations began to evolve. Such catastrophes as the Black Plague, famine, holy wars, and political upheavals, led many people to seek comfort and answers from ancient Greece and the great Roman Empire. Turning to these civilizations, they found great significance in areas such as art, family, education, economic and political stability, as well as religion. These pieces of the "old world" proved important due to the disarray that their societies existed in. The model of Greek and Roman life became a solution in the hunt for a more peaceful and intellectual existence. Many humanists were the catalyst for an education and literary rebirth of Roman writings."
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Italian Renaissance, 2005.
A look at two ideologies springing from the medieval Italian Renaissance, individualism and objectivity.
1,322 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 31.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how there was great development of ideologies that helped flourish European civilization during the Renaissance. The writer looks closely at two important ideologies that helped promote significant political, economic, and scientific revolutions in the continent for the next centuries. These two important ideologies are individualism and objectivity. It explains how the first ideology helped improve the state of natural philosophy and culture of Europe, while the latter helped develop the pursuit for science and empiricism.
From the Paper
"Individualism and objectivity have become the ideology of human society for the last seven centuries. True to Burckhardt?s claim in 1860 that the Renaissance is the ?birth of the modern world,? these two ideologies have reigned superior in every aspect of human life, even influencing the life that we lead at present, now that human society is in the Information Age. Individualism and objectivity are directly linked with each other, where the occurrence of the former ultimately leads to the development of the latter. The texts that follow provide illustrations that show how individualism helped celebrate human society?s culture and objectivity, the development of an empirical and scientific human society."
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Medieval Societies, 2005.
This paper discusses some works of medieval literature that focus on medieval warrior societies.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper studies Chretien De Troyes "Arthurian Romances", Seamus Heaney's "Beowulf" and other medieval literature that focus on medieval warrior societies, particularly concepts of heroism, ethics and spirituality as illustrated in the works.
From the Paper
"Medieval societies during the era of Beowulf and the Arthurian Romances were undergoing transformation from pagan illiterate societieswhere codes of conduct governed social relations and together with reason brought happiness. The warrior societies described in Chretien de Troyes' "Arthurian Romances" and Seamus Heaney's "Beowulf" along with other literature of the medieval era, show the ideals of reason and code of conduct as the foundation of human happiness. The character of Beowulf clearly expresses this ideal."
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The Harlem Renaissance, 2008.
This paper discusses the Harlem Renaissance as a period of changing times, especially for African Americans.
990 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 24.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the Harlem Renaissance, also known as the Black Literary Renaissance and The New Negro Movement, began in the neighborhood of Harlem in New York City. The author points out that the Harlem Renaissance promoted changes in music, literature, poetry and architecture. The paper relates that these changes started in the black community following the abolition of slavery and were quickened as a consequence of World War I. The author underscores that the Harlem Renaissance can be seen as the African-American cultural response to the great social and cultural changes taking place in America in the early twentieth century under the influence of industrialization and the start of a new mass culture. The paper describes Georgia Douglas Johnson, who wrote poetry and plays as an important player in this literary and cultural movement.
Outline:
I. The History of the Harlem Renaissance
A. The way the Harlem Renaissance started
B. How the Harlem Renaissance got its name
II. The changes that were made
A. The change in politics
B. The changes in the arts
III. Georgia Douglas Johnson
A. A brief biography
B. Her influence on the Harlem Renaissance
From the Paper
"The Harlem Renaissance was a time of excitement and change for all of those who participated. It took many people to change the things that these people changed. Everything changed from music, art, movies, and politics. Many African- Americans from the southern states moved to Harlem during this time. The African- American community had established a middle class in many cities, with New York City being one. This time of movement can be referred to as the Great Migration. The Great Migration brought thousands of African- Americans to the northern cities like Cleveland, Chicago, and Philadelphia."
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Outsiders of the Medieval Imagination, 2001.
A discussion of Medieval spirituality and imagination that guided Medieval people's belief system and differentiated between conformer and non-conformer.
5,055 words (approx. 20.2 pages), 7 sources, £ 90.95
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Abstract
A look at the Medieval imagination. The author discusses the idea of spirituality of the Medieval people that considered outsiders as non-conformists, or people that were viewed as sub-human (people with abnormalities etc.) and used the imagination to differentiate between the real and the spiritual world.
From the Paper
"The idea of an outsider is present in all medieval works, this is a society of conformists and those non-conformists were all looked upon as outsiders; but what about the idea of outsiders that come not from the community but from another invisible world altogether. The idea of monsters have existed from ancient times, and even to the modern day with bogey men, but in the middle ages we find a plethora of monsters of all shapes and sizes. One need only look in the elaborately illuminated bestiaries of the medieval period to discover creatures from every realm of the imagination, from the saintly unicorn to the demonic dragon. These creatures, widely influenced by pagan mythology but with their own Christian twists, served an important part of the concept of the medieval persons concept of otherness. If the limit of otherness was not defined by only the human spectrum there was no limit to the amount of difference that a medieval person could differentiate between themselves and those seen as sub-human, such as Jews, heretics, and lepers."
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Italian Cities in Medieval Europe, 2002.
This paper examines why Italian cities in medieval times developed at a faster rate than other European cities, becoming the richest in medieval Europe, possibly the world.
1,354 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 8 sources, APA, £ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the reasons behind the huge development of medieval Italian cities in relation to the rest of Europe. These factors include: Their superior organization, military history, geographical advantages in terms of trade and commerce and the unique form of government dividing the country into city states.
From the Paper
"Medieval times saw an expansion in city life all across Europe, but nowhere more so than in Italy. As early as the tenth century, Italian towns, though still inferior to those in the East, had become far larger than those in other Catholic European countries. From 1100-1250, the population of many Italian cities grew considerably, rising from around 5,000-6,000 people to between 30,000-40,000. This was because of a number of factors, most notably the commercial revolution and explosion of trade, which Italy was in a unique position to exploit, due, among other things, to her history and geographical location."
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