Was Justinian A Good Or Bad Emperor - 881 Words

Was Justinian a good or bad Emperor In almost any leader in history we can see a combination of good and bad qualities. The Byzantine emperor Justinian was such a leader he was born a peasant and had a 40 year reign, two years before taking the throne he married Theodora who was a former concubine, he exhibits traits showing both great talents and great personality flaws. Emperor Justinian is sometimes referred to as the last of the Roman Emperors and he desired to return Rome to all of her former glory. He studied and learned from the mistakes of the former Roman Emperors, he developed a large cavalry of horses and an extensively large Navy. He wanted to take back the Western Roman Empire from the Germanic people and succeeded in his conquests as he retook much of the Mediterranean basin. Emperor Justinian’s developed a well-oiled machine and he believed that the Germans practiced a mutated form of Christianity that the Roman Church considered sacrilegious. He did not waste any time and sent his military to reclaim much to the western empire that had been lost after the battle of Adrianople and the fall of Rome, this even included the beloved city of Rome. Since Justinian was loyal to Rome he felt that hit was his duty to reduce this threat and return Rome to the Roman rule. Justinian had a sincere wish to restore the glory of ancient Rome and improve the empire but the means to which he attempted to accomplish this were devastating to his people. With the increase in hisShow MoreRelatedThe Secular Leaders From The Catholic Church1245 Words   |  5 Pagesfaith? What were the positives and negatives of each? The Christian faith was effected differently dependent upon the king at the time, and the changes they decided to make. Sometimes for the positive and sometimes for the negative. Originally the Church and the Roman Empire in the East worked closely together. By the mid-400 s the commander in chief, who was named, Odovacar, was king of the Goths, (he deposed the Western emperor in 476.) Then Theidoric became king of the eastern Goths, he managed toRead MoreThe Reign Of The Byzantine Empire1347 Words   |  6 Pages1) The Byzantine emperors were more powerful than previous Roman emperors because the Byzantine emperors inherited imperial law, which were only provincial forms of Roman law that survived in the west. Also, the emperors were able to transition smoothly into the role of all powerful Christian monarchs. 2) The Byzantine Empire post 600 CE can be categorized as a beleaguered empire because they only had a single ruler who endowed with supreme legal and religious authority was able to prevent theRead MoreLegal Systems - Common And Civil Law. Most Nations Today1092 Words   |  5 PagesLegal systems - Common and Civil law Most nations today follow one of two major legal traditions: common law or civil law. The Common law emerged in England during the Middle ages and was applied within British colonies across continents. The civil law tradition developed in continental Europe around the same time and was applied in the colonies of European imperial powers. One Scholar has written: â€Å"The Civil Law (as reflected in the National Codes of continental Europe) and the English Common Law lookedRead MoreChristianity And Its Impact On The Development Of Christianity1283 Words   |  6 PagesChristianity was born and flourished in an empire where the common language was Latin and Greek. Two important people like Paul and Constantine further influenced and were a major part of the development of Christianity. The history of the Jews leading up to the time of Jesus had a major impact on the development of Christianity. â€Å"When Christianity was clearly identified as a distant religion, the new religion wa s considered by its members to be the fulfillment of Judaism rather than a new religionRead MoreBubonic Plague Research Paper1709 Words   |  7 Pagesstream and infect the lungs this makes it possible to spread the disease through coughing and breathing in close proximity to another person. (The Mayo Clinic Staff, 2012) It was believed in the middle ages that this disease was caused by poor hygiene, bad eating habits, corrupted humid air, and a lack of rest. Once a person was thought to be infected the doctors would move them to a non-infected area thinking that this would heal the persons illness instead this transported the disease even furtherRead MorePlato And His Influences On Plato s Philosophy1370 Words   |  6 Pages Plato and His Influences’ Plato was a philosopher of ancient Greek in Athens, Greece who was born in 427bce and die in 347, both of his parents are from Greek aristocracy. He is the founder of the Academy, the first institution in the Western world and best known for his works of unparalleled influence. Plato is considered to have laid the foundation of Western philosophy and science. He was a teacher of Aristotle, his most famous student and Plato was influenced by many philosophers, namedRead MoreWorld History Final Exam Study Guide1374 Words   |  6 PagesMoral: always listen to your elders Pantheon of Greek Gods: temple of all the Roman Gods, rebuilt by the Emperor Hadrian Alexander: Alexander the King; king of Macedonia; conquered Persian Empire Homer and the Iliad: Long poem telling the story of the Trojan War Sparta v. Athens: Sparta was about fighting; trained soldiers from young age to fight; men and women were pretty much equal Athens was more about education and artwork; city of Athena; menwomen Hoplite: soldiers Phalanx: formation soldiersRead Moreâ€Å"Why Byzantine Economy Remained One of the Most Powerful in Europe Through Early Middle Ages?†2055 Words   |  9 PagesEurope through Early Middle Ages?† The Byzantine cconomy was one of the largest systems throughout Europe and the Mediterannean for many centuries. 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Women And Queen Guenevere And The Wife Of Baths Tale

Throughout history, women have drastically changed ever since the Middle Ages to present-day. Women from the medieval times weren’t able to do what men are doing now: work because there are some women that look up to a man’s lifestyle. Before the time of having their own rights, they were often expected to do ‘womanly’ duties: clean, cook, pleasure their husband, etc. However, in the case of Queen Guenevere and ‘The Wife’, the two ladies were very loving and independent during their time. A women from the medieval times, who is known as ‘The Wife’ from a poem called The Wife of Bath’s Tale is married to five men at the age of twelve-years-old: three young, and two were old. During those times, it was frowned upon due to the strong beliefs†¦show more content†¦Queen not knowing that Sir Lancelot was fooling around with other ladies was to save himself from being caught by the King. Little did she know that Lancelot w as doing this to divert attention from their affair. This describes Queen Guenevere as an adultery, but was still royal to Sir Lancelot. So much of her petty and jealously grew since then. Both women were very vulnerable to men but still remained loyal to them even though their needs weren’t meant to be, and also, by having different viewpoints on being a good spouse. For Queen Guenevere, she was faithful, rich and, a jealous person that truly loved the man of her life, Sir Lancelot. â€Å"Then, as the book saith, Sir Lancelot began to resort unto Queen Guenevere again, and forgat the promise and the perfection that he made in the quest. For, as the book saith, had not Sir Lancelot been in his privy thoughts and in his mind so set inwardly to the queen as he was in seeming outward to God, there had no knight passed him in the quest of the Sangreal; but ever his thoughts were privily on the queen, and so they loved together more hotter than they did to-forehand, and had such privy thoughts together...† (Bk.18, C.1, l.6-11). Although, with his flirtation with many women, he was trying to avoid drama with the King; still ended up fighting each other for the Queen. As for ‘The Wife’, she married her five husbands to be happy. â€Å"If not, a lesson we will have to teach, How fairShow MoreRelatedPerceptions Remain Unchanged By Marie De France Essay1918 Words   |  8 Pagesaspects of everyday life. Women are suppressed and are expected to support men by learning and performing wifely duties, and attending to the needs of the men close to them. There is no opportunity for women to place themselves in positions of authority or influence without a man dictating their function. Although Marie de France is a woman, it is apparent in â€Å"Lanval† that she cannot escape the stereotypical characterizations that plague women in her era. She portrays Queen Guenevere as a villainous and

Much Ado About Nothing Free Essays

In the book Hero Claudio love is the main plot. the whle story line is based on Hero and Claudio. When one reads the book it may bring up many questions do they or dont they love each other? There are many situations when in the book when you say â€Å"there is no way they love each other. We will write a custom essay sample on Much Ado About Nothing or any similar topic only for you Order Now † For example when Claudio returns from war, and he first laid eyes on Hero he insisted that he was that he was in love with her; because he was with Benedick and he says â€Å"Can the world buy such a jewel? † he then goes on and says † I would scarce trust myself, though i had sworn the contrary, if Hero would be my wife. I think it was abit too fast for Claudio to say or to conclude his already in love with someone he has just seen. To make things worse Claudio allows his very good friend Don Pedro to woo the woman that he insists he loves, Don Pedro tells Claudio † I know we shall have a revelling tonight I will assume thy part in some disguise, and tell fair Hero I am Claudio,† i think if Claudio loved Hero as much as he says then he wouldnt let another man go woo her; he would r he should confidently tell her how he feels. Even after Don Pedro woo’s Hero, there is never a point when Hero and Claudio talk or express their feelings for each other . Like Benedick and Beatrice who’s love story is the sub-plot of the story. Beatrice and Benedick fight alot but ina way its inderstandable: but after they were ttricked they actually admit their love to each other Benedick tells Beatrice † I do love nothing in the world so well as you† Benedick even allows to kill his own friend just to prove his love for Beatrice he says, † enough, I am engaged, i will challege him, Claudio shall render me a dear account. That to me is true love. I dont see or feel any of this passion with Claudio and Hero. Another point is when Claudio sees Margret in the window with Borachio and thinks its Hero. His reaction at first is justified, but in my opinion he should have taken time to calm down and go confrim the story for himself. It was stupid to trust Don John again: because when Don Pedro was wooi ng Hero, Don John went to Claudio and told him he heard Don Pedro went to Claudio and told him he heard Don Pedro swear his affection to her. Borachio then adds fuel to the fire by saying â€Å"so so did i too, and he swore he would marry her tonight. † After he hears this immediately gives up on her because he says † farewell therefore, Hero. † And at the wedding his reaction was too exaggerated if he really loved her, he would not have publicy mistreated and embarassed Hero the way he did, and all these actions just proves how much Claudio does not trust Hero. Another strange event is when Hero’s name is cleared and Claudio realises that it was his fault that she’s dead. At first his reaction is exactly what you would except what you would except; but after he told Leonato to take revenge, Leonato told him he would marry Antonio’s daughter and he immediately agree’s to marry her. Hero the woman he claims to love just died and it was his fault, and his already agreed to marry another woman. If he truly loved her he would have told Leonato with all due respect i need time to mourn but he didnt he just agreed to it. but at the same time maybe Claudio wanted to punish himself, because Leonato would remained him of what he did to sweet Hero. With all these poits we cant ignore that there were also some signs that indicated that they were in love. Like in the end when Hero is revealed we could tell also Hero’s reaction when she started crying it showed that they definetly had feelings for each other. If i was in Hero’s position i would definetly not take Claudio back because he humiliated me infront of my family and friends at my wdding and two he has caused my death . So there is a possibility that they loved each other. This could be an I can live with you and can’t live without you relationship. How to cite Much Ado About Nothing, Papers Much Ado About Nothing Free Essays ‘The Jokes which society tells are a significant index of that society’s concerns and anxieties’. (M. Mangan, A preface to Shakespeare’s comedies, 1996) If this is the case what can we learn from ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ about the ‘concerns and anxieties’ of the society in which Shakespeare was living? Sir H Walpole once remarked that ‘a comedy should make us think’, Shakespeare exploits this function of comedy by utilizing jokes on the themes of cuckoldry, infidelity and honour to permit the audience to think about the ‘concerns and anxieties’ associated with these jokes within Shakespeare’s society and what can be learnt from these jokes told. We will write a custom essay sample on Much Ado About Nothing or any similar topic only for you Order Now The figure of the Cuckold in ‘Much Ado About Nothing’, a husband of a woman who commits adultery, is a running joke throughout the play. In the play, the character Benedick, who carries a misogynistic view of women, is the main instigator of these jokes, he says that being a cuckold is what happens when you get married and you would have to ‘hang’ his ‘bugle in an invisible baldrick’ and he vows never to allow the plucking ‘off’ of ‘the bull’s horns and’ setting ‘them’ on his ‘forehead’, meaning he does not want to get married. Even though Benedick may be slightly bestial, it is clear there is a fear of getting married in Benedick’s opinions. As Michael Mangan2 comments in ‘Huddling jest upon jest’, the jokes made in ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ about husbands and cuckolds indicate to the audience ‘the underlying anxieties about gender roles’ and ‘about women’s possible sexual licence’ common in Shakespeare’s society. The cuckold theme was the subject of many ballads and pamphlets in the Elizabethan Era. An Elizabethan Audience would have been familiar with cuckold jokes and would even probably know the place in London known as ‘Cuckold’s Haven’. However, they would also relate to the concerns of infidelity amongst women, especially the men and some would share these misogynistic views and fears of women. These fears were so strong as a result of the male honour and pride which most men had and also the accosted idea of being the natural heirs. A modern-day audience would be able of relate to the ideas of adultery, as often portrayed in Serial Dramas such as ‘Eastenders’ or ‘Coronation Street’, nevertheless, they would probably not have the same fears as the Elizabethans as more people cohabit rather than marry and are more aware to such problems as adultery and that husbands are involved adultery as much as women. In most of Shakespeare’s comedies there is a ‘shrew’, an outspoken, independent, strong, female stock character, in ‘The Taming of The Shrew’ this is Katerina and in ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ there is Beatrice. The strong female character or ‘shrew’ is one of the comic conventions that feature in all of Shakespeare’s comedies and moreover it, is not unusual that there are jokes aimed towards the stereotype. In the play, the men refer Beatrice as ‘Lady Disdain! ‘ and that she has a ‘shrewd †¦ tongue’ being ‘too curst’. It can be acknowledged that as the men make light of Beatrice’s outspoken, shrewish behaviour, underneath it, they are intimidated by her intelligence and strength. An Elizabethan Audience would recognise the stock character but also correlate themselves with the anxieties of strong women. The social hierarchy was of common knowledge; where God came first, then the king or monarch who would be appointed by God, the man, the women and then beast. The Elizabethan men were just accepting Queen Elizabeth I, and would find it hard to adjust to women becoming strong and independent, feeling intimidated as a strong female character placed a threat to the social hierarchy. On the contrary, a modern audience would be accustomed to the idea of the strong woman as of the female rights campaigns throughout the Twentieth Century, women now occupy a more central and public role in society. Nevertheless, sexism does still exist in all spheres of society even after women’s rights In ‘Much Ado About Nothing’, Shakespeare applies sexual innuendos as jokes to comment subtly, on the freedom sexuality in his society and the limits. In the play the sexual innuendos were remarked by women, which would appear strange to an Elizabethan audience. In Act 1 Scene 1 Beatrice remarks whether ‘Signor Mountanto’ has ‘returned from the wars’ meaning ‘Signor Benedick’ and the word ‘Montanto’ meaning the thrust of male genitals and the ‘mounting’ of a partner. Margaret also uses a sexual innuendo by commenting on ‘the weight of a man’ making Hero’s heart ‘heavier’. It was common in Shakespeare’s comedies to use lower status characters to make such commons as not to offend any of the higher status audience and appeal to the lower status. Furthermore, Shakespeare has not only used these sexual innuendos to entertain the more bawdy members of the audience but also, to convey the concerns and anxieties on sexuality in the Elizabethan era, as even though, illicit sexual behaviour was not heard of in the courts and upper classes of society, it was extremely common among the lower classes and Shakespeare was trying to inconspicuously, portray his concern that the Upper classes ignored such behaviour and places such as brothels. An Elizabethan audience, would be able to relate, however, a modern day audience would be used to sexual innuendos as jokes as modern day morals are less religious and restricted. Love as a disease is another joke used in ‘Much Ado About Nothing’, to highlight the concerns and anxieties in Shakespeare’s society over love. In Act 3 Scene 2 , after Benedick has apparently fallen in love with Beatrice he claims to have ‘the toothache’ and Don Pedro and Claudio tease him suggesting he ‘draws it’ or ‘hang it’ and in Act 3 scene 4 after Beatrice has supposedly fallen in love with Benedick she claims to be ‘sick’ and Margaret and Hero suggest ‘cardus benedictus’, a holy thistle and a clever pun on Benedick’s name. Shakespeare discreetly portrays how Benedick and Beatrice’s alliance with their honour provokes them to fear being reliant in another person and this explains Benedick’s fear of marriage. Shakespeare is vividly commenting on the fears of love and its effects in Messina as a microcosm of Elizabethan England. An Elizabethan and a modern day audience could relate to this concern, as there are many pressures and problems that come with falling in love such as suitability, personality, appearance and many more. They could also make a connection to the effects love has on a person where it makes them a victim, oblivious to all things around them, gives them a loss of their sense of reality and a blindness to their lover’s faults. In Shakespeare’s society fashion was very topical and in ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ he addresses this with jokes about fashion. In Act 2 scene 3 Benedick ponders to himself why Claudio is interested in the ‘fashion of a new doublet’ remarking that love has changed Claudio and yet, ironically, in Act 3 scene 2 Claudio and Don Pedro teasingly comment that Benedick now has the ‘appearance of fancy in him’ and that he ‘rubs himself with civet’ a perfume. Furthermore, being interested in fashion was a sign of a loss of dignity and honour and a person without substance, also the theme of fashion exposes the superficiality of the male code of honour. An Elizabethan audience would appreciate the connection between fashion and a loss of dignity, whereas, in a modern day audience’s society, appearances are the threading that holds together all impressions of a person and wearing the latest style or fashion has become a great necessity for most people. Subsequently, they would not comprehend the concerns and anxieties over fashion. In the Elizabethan era, the Male Code of Honour was a foundation established and seen of great importance, however, in ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ Shakespeare exposes this code of honour, by means of jokes, to depict how shallow it was. In the play Beatrice mocks this code of honour by calling Benedick ‘a stuffed man’ and ‘a very valiant trencher man’. She also remarks less humorously, ‘manhood is melted into curtsies’ and that ‘men are †¦ turned into tongue and trim ones’. Therefore through Beatrice, Shakespeare discloses the concerns and anxieties of the male code of honour and how it is superficial and lacks substance in the behaviour and speech which is always very fanciful and uses a lot of hyperbole; Shakespeare shows this by having the men speak in verse in iambic pentameter to demonstrate them as one-dimensional. Especially, in the scene after Claudio has seen Hero and is professing to be in love with her. An Elizabethan audience would be able to network with this theme as they would have held this code in high esteem, on the other hand, a modern day audience would not identify with why the male code of honour would be so highly valued and they would be concerned with matters such as money, status, fashion, love and others. In ‘Much Ado About Nothing’, Shakespeare discreetly uses the malapropisms of the Police Constable Dogberry as a joke to unmask the concerns and fears over the law in Shakespeare’s society. In the play, Dogberry says such things as ‘senseless’ instead of sensible, ‘tolerable’ instead of intolerable and many more. These malapropisms appeal to the audience showing the humour of Dogberry’s behaviour and the stereotypical behaviour the police and authorities in Elizabethan society, who were not taken seriously and often laughed at, which proved to be a major concern in that society. An Elizabethan audience would find the joke humorous but also be aware of the serious undertone, that there is an anxiety over the incompetence of the police force not keeping society safe and secure. A modern day audience would not shoulder the same fears, as the police authorities are respected and feared by law abiding citizens. Out of all the several factions of humour, incongruity of practical jokes are used the most in ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ as forms of deception. This conveys the anxieties and concerns that Shakespeare was trying to demonstrate. All of the deception is plotted by men which parallels back to Balthasar’s song ‘men were deceivers ever’ and deception comes naturally to men. In Kenneth Branagh’s adaptation of ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ Balthasar’s song is implemented with all the men listening to the song and paying particular attention to it, this places the importance on to how relevant the song is to the men of the play. In the famous gulling scenes Don Pedro, Claudio, Leonato, Hero and Ursula try ‘to bring†¦ Benedick and †¦ Beatrice into a mountain of affection’ with them fashioning ‘it’. As well, Don John and Claudio try to ‘cross’ the ‘marriage’ of Claudio and Hero and they ‘misuse the prince, to vex Claudio’. As the deception of these practical jokes may appear comical, they underline the concerns, in Shakespeare’s society, of deception, as Shakespeare uses it in all of his comedies; ‘Twelfth Night’, ‘The Taming of the Shrew’, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, ‘As you like it’ and ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ this illustrates that deception was not only an entertaining comic convention but a serious and sever anxiety within his society because in that period of time there were many who tried to deceive others, however, the deception was well hidden. A modern day and an Elizabethan audience would be able to connect to this as deception was and still is a very common occurrence witnessed by many in societies. In the title of 3Peter Holindale’s essay on the subject of comedy remarks that there are ‘serious voices in a Comedic world’, this is viewed in Messina and paralleled to Elizabethan England. The jokes crafted and exploited by Shakespeare in ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ elaborate and reiterate the anxieties that not only the Elizabethan era faced but every generational society faces and adds to as each day passes and furthermore, make each new generation of audience laugh at these anxieties. How to cite Much Ado About Nothing, Papers