Medieval Metrical Romance Essays - Romance, Chivalric Romance

Of the three principal and popular forms of verse-narratives, Metrical Romance is one, the other two being the ballad and the epic. The metrical romance is, therefore (in other words), a romantic tale in verse. The term (Metrical Romance) is applied both to medieval verse romances and to the type of verse romances produced by Sir Walter Scott (e.g. The Lady of The Lake and Marmion) and Lord Byron (e.g. Bride of Abydos). The latters, type has such romantic characteristics as the freedom of technique, sentimental qualities and remote settings. The Medieval romances are stories of adventure in which chivalry; gallantry and religion, faith were the usual themes. The curliest medieval romances were in verse; they were written in prose too. To the moderns, the Middle Ages were the home of the romances. When we read the romances today, we enter, in Compton Rickett?s word ?A new world?, where damsels were always beautiful and even learned ; where men were prodigies of valour and masculas strength, where disappointed ladies find consolation in ministering to the poor and the afflicted ; where true lovers overcome (insuperable) obstacles and are eventually waited to live or die together. To us, today, this is a strange, remote and by-one world, but to the contemporary readers of these romances it was the actual world, although somewhat idealise. Thus the romances give us a glimpse of the medieval life in castles and cottages. The Medieval Romance first appears in Old French Literature of the twelfth century. The works of Chretien de Troyes are among the earliest and greatest of the French Medieval Romances. Middle English Romances were of French origin and were influenced by the poetry of troubadours and the trouveres of France. The ideal of courtly love was the legacy of the former, while heroic adventure came from the later. These romances in verse were little and sung by the minstrels by the 13th century. Middle English Romances may be grouped under four heads on the basis of their subject-matter : i) The Matter of England, ii) The Matter of France, iii) The Matter of Antiquity or The Matter of Rome, iv) The Matter of Britain. [Jean Bodel, however, classifies the medieval romances into three categories, leaving out The Matter of England.] The ?Matter of England? includes stories based upon Germanic (including English) tradition. Some of the best ones in this cycle are: Richard Lionheart (before 1300), The Lay of Havelok the Dane (ca 1300), Athelstan (ca 1350), King Horn, Guy of Warwick and Bevis of Hampton. These romances dealing with the English history and its heroes appear in English either as translation, or as renderings of their French versions written earlier. King Horn relates the adventures of a prince, driven out of his country by Pagan invaders, but eventually recovering his fortune and the throne. Havelok the Dane narrates the story of Havelok?s loss and subsequent recovery of his kingdom, and also of his marriage with the English princess name Goldsborough. Guy of Warwick is typical romance in which everything is subordinated to adventure. It presents an endless succession of encounters with adversaries. The ?Matter of France? deals with the heroic exploits of Charlemagne, the French National Hero, and William of Orange. The chief of these romances is the La Chanson de Roland (late 14th century) which tells the Story of Roland?s valiant fights against odds, ending with the hero?s death. Huon de Bordeaux is another important work of this group. Other romances of less importance in this group are: Rauf Coilyear, an alliterative romance, Sir Ferumbras, The Siege of Milan. The ?Matter of Antiquety? (or the ?Matter of Rome?) includes legends of Alexander the Great, the Trojan War, the Siege of Thebes, the Siege of Troy and the Adventures of Aeneus etc. In these, there is a picture of ancient classical culture, as seen through medieval eyes. As David Daiches has put it, ?This is not the world of Homer or of Pericles or of Vergil, but a curiously medievalized ancient world......? of the ?Matter of Rome? King Alisaunder and The Destruction of Troy are of more than average merit. The ?Matter of Britain? deals with stories of King Arthur and his Round Table. Some of the notable of these romances are:

The Use Of The Sample Argumentative Essay Singapore

The Use Of The Sample Argumentative Essay SingaporeSample Argumentative Essay Singapore is a virtual help desk, where students, who are preparing for the examination can access all their study materials from the comfort of their homes. For the past year, SEES has been trying to make the student's studying experience the best possible with the incorporation of new learning tools, applications and more.The aim of this project is to enhance the quality of the student's time and efforts and in turn lead them to have a great chance of getting excellent marks. There are various interactive tools such as PowerPoint, flash animation and videos which can be used to present information in the most effective manner. The use of these tools is facilitated by the online media system that makes it easier for the students to collaborate and share their ideas.Students who are studying English in the final year of their courses will get immense help from the Sample Argumentative Essay Singapore. It ha s lots of resources that they can easily find on the website, including practice test questions and sample essays, which are best suited for students. Students will also have access to other software applications and resources that can help them prepare for the final examinations. Students are always encouraged to visit the site regularly for new updates, which will help them improve their scores, which have been tested and proven to work.There are various reasons why a student should use the Sample Argumentative Essay Singapore. Besides helping him write an effective argument, it will also help him to understand the benefits and opportunities that are given to them as a student in the course and how they can take advantage of them.For students who want to improve their English skills, they should definitely look into easy access to resources that will aid them in studying for the final examinations. They should also look at how these resources can enhance their knowledge of topics and be able to communicate them effectively to their classmates and lecturers. When students feel that they have gained something valuable and beneficial from these resources, they will be more inclined to use it in the future and that can only be a good thing.There are various courses out there which offer students the opportunity to develop their understanding of topics and even review material effectively, but many of them do not have a lot of useful resources, which will help them do this. This is one problem that students face while studying and the Sample Argumentative Essay Singapore can really help them. It is because the site offers information, which can be used effectively by students who are struggling in this aspect.A few students who have had no luck in finding help on the internet and in the classroom can get good things from the Sample Argumentative Essay Singapore. This is because the site offers several courses such as tools, which can be used to help them improve their English writing skills and even use it in competitive examinations like the Advanced Placement exams. Students who can build strong foundations and skills, even before they start learning anything else, will only gain from this site.The Sample Argumentative Essay Singapore is a great resource for students who want to study, and one which can help them to study well and gain from the experience. These resources and tools can help them get high marks, as a student who can use it can build his understanding of topics and can improve his English language and communication skills in the process.

Strunk and Whites The Elements of Style

Strunk and Whites The Elements of Style Strunk and Whites The Elements of Style Strunk and Whites The Elements of Style By Maeve Maddox Strunk and Whites The Elements of Style receives frequent mention in articles about writing. Originating as a classroom study aid prepared by Cornell English Professor William Strunk in 1918, this widely-used desk reference of English usage, form, and style continues to influence writers after a hundred years. After Strunk died in 1946, essayist E.B. White was asked to augment and edit the guide for a wider audience. When White died in 1985, Elements was in its Third Edition. The current Fourth Edition has been, according to Whites stepson Roger Angell, modestly updated to include references to word processors and to acknowledge feminist concerns about pronoun usage. Elements has grown from Strunks original 43 pages to 105, but is still a compact, no-frills handbook for the writer in a hurry for answers to common questions. The guide is arranged in five sections: I. Elementary Rules of Usage II. Elementary Principles of Composition III. A Few Matters of Form IV. Words and Expressions Commonly Misused V. An Approach to Style The first four sections are easily skimmed, and the index will lead you quickly to the point of grammar you want. A 60-word glossary defines such basic terms as gerund and linking verb. The fifth section, An Approach to Style, provides a useful reminder that there is more to producing distinctive prose than just getting the grammar right: There is no satisfactory explanation of style, no infallible guide to good writing, no assurance that a person who thinks clearly will be able to write clearly, no key that unlocks the door, no inflexible rule by which writers may shape their course, According to White, style is a mystery, an entity that arises from the sum of an individuals writing: Style is an increment in writing. When we speak of Fitzgeralds style, we dont mean his command of the relative pronoun, we mean the sound his words make on paper. The Elements of Style deserves its long popularity as a concise guide to correct usage. It can equip a writer with the elements, but style must arise from the personality and mental furnishings of the writer. A searchable version of Elements (Third Edition) can be found at Bartleby.com. You can also find the book on Amazon.com Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Book Reviews category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:10 Rules for Writing Numbers and NumeralsList of Greek Words in the English LanguageComma After Introductory Phrases

Hitler's Death Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Hitler's Death - Term Paper Example Speculations, arguments, doubts and questions arose regarding the validity of the death of the most famous dictator to date, Adolf Hitler. Different analysis were conducted and different results were obtained from these studies the issue still had been going on for a while until the skull fragment was displayed in Moscow a little over a decade ago. Although it may seem still a little vague to some today, it is no longer a question whether Hitler is dead or alive but just the truth behind his death. Considering his recorded condition before the 30th of April in 1945, he would unlikely survive a decade after that. So whether he escaped from the ruins of Berlin or not, he is, for the lack of better term, ‘dead’, by now. Some historians doubted Hitler’s death and suggested that the Nazis orchestrated propaganda to make the Fuehrer a hero. The US also doubted the dictator’s death and speculated the he may have escaped from Berlin in 1945 and did not take his own life. These doubts were caused by the unclear showcasing of facts and mismatching data in the past. These speculation and arguments just settled when the skull fragment with a hole caused by a gunshot was put on display in Moscow in 2000.

Human nature is not cruel Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Human nature is not cruel - Essay Example Whereas, Kitty’s case has been subjected to several inaccuracies and misrepresentations, many other similar cases have been reported recently. Clearly, then, the â€Å"bystander effect† can have a strong impact, especially on social behavior, leaving people asking why exactly does it occur? And why do people not assist others when they are part of a crowd? More and more people are starting to pay attention and consider such kind of events as these. What leads people to become more apathetic, immoral or even cruel? Is human nature cruel? Human beings are not born cruel. A baby is always naà ¯ve and pure, they are not intentionally cruel to others. I believe that humans are not always cruel depending on certain circumstances surrounding an individual. Furthermore, Milgram’s experiment is all about obedience to authority.  It  found that  65 percent  of participants deferred to the authority of the experimenter and administered the final 450 volt "shock†. The other 35 percent refused to continue with the experiment. This experiment tells us that people always obey authority. I don’t believe the 65 percent of subjects were cruel just because they completed the experiment. They wanted to stop the experiment, but the experimenter kept emphasizing things such as â€Å"the experiment requires that you continue, go on please, the shocks are painful but they are not harmful.† It made participants very nervous and confused, meaning that the experimenter’s authority pushed them to be cruel and even hurt innocent people. In brief, Milgram’s experiment is not enough proof that human nature is cruel, but people will be cruel under certain circumstances. Any normal person, usually, will not easily hurt others just for the sake of it. And if they do hurt someone they will definitely feel guilty. Someone however could be wondering that, if human nature is not cruel, then why are there so many murderers in the world? I believe murdering someone is cruel, but

The Darwinian revolution challenged Essay Example for Free

The Darwinian revolution challenged Essay Define evolution broadly and then give a narrower definition, as discussed in the overview. Evolution: Descent with modification; the idea that living species are descendants of ancestral species that were different from the present-day ones; also defined more narrowly as the change in the genetic composition of a population from generation to generation Concept 22.1 The Darwinian revolution challenged the traditional view of a young Earth inhabited by unchanging species This section takes a look at the historical setting and influences on Darwin, and it sets the stage for our formal study of evolution. How did each of the following sources view the origin of species? Aristotle and Scala Naturae: Aristotle viewed species as fixed. Through his observations of nature, Aristotle recognized â€Å"affinities† among organisms. He concluded that life-forms could be arranged on a ladder, or scale, of increasing complexity, called the scala naturae. Each form, perfect and permanent, had its allotted rung on this ladder. The Old Testament: The Old Testament holds that species were individually designed by God and therefore perfect. Carolus Linnaeus: Linnaeus adopted a nested classification system, grouping similar species into increasingly general categories. Linnaeus, adhering to the Old Testament belief that all species were designed by God, did not ascribe the resemblances among species to evolutionary kinship, but rather to the pattern of their creation. Explain the role of fossils in rock strata as a window to life in earlier times. Many fossils are found in sedimentary rocks formed from the sand and mud that settle to the bottom of seas, lakes, swamps, and other aquatic habitats. New layers of sediment cover older ones and compress them into superimposed layers of rock called strata. The fossils in particular strata provide a glimpse of some of the organisms that populated Earth at the time that the layer formed. How would Georges Cuvier have explained the appearance of the record of life shown in the rock strata? Cuvier opposed the idea of evolution. He advocated catastrophism, the principle that events in the past occurred suddenly and were caused by mechanisms different from those operating in the present. Copyright  © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Cuvier speculated that each boundary between strata represented a catastrophe, such as a flood, that had destroyed many of the species living at that time. James Hutton and Charles Lyell were geologists whose ideas strongly influenced Darwin’s thinking. What were the ideas each of them contributed? James Hutton : Hutton proposed that Earth’s geologic features could be explained by gradual mechanisms still operating today, such as valley formed by rivers. Charles Lyell: Lyell incorporated Hutton’s thinking into his principle of uniformitarianism, which states that mechanisms of change are constant over time. Lyell proposed that the same geologic processes are operating today as in the past, and at the same rate. What is the importance of the principle of uniformitarianism? If geologic change results from slow, continuous actions rather than from sudden events, then Earth must be much older than the widely accepted age of a few thousand years. Jean-Baptiste de Lamarck proposed a mechanism for how life changes over time. Explain the two principles of his mechanism. use and disuse: The idea that parts of the body that are used extensively become larger and stronger, while those that are not used deteriorate. inheritance of acquired characteristics: This idea states that an organism could pass these modifications of use and disuse to its offspring. Although Lamarck’s mechanism of evolution does not explain the changes in species over time, his thinking has been influential. What is considered to be the great importance of his ideas? Lamarck recognized that the match of organisms to their environments can be explained by gradual evolutionary change rather than special creation. Concept 22.2 Descent with modification by natural selection explains the adaptations of organisms and the unity and diversity of life Charles Darwin proposed that the mechanism of evolution is natural selection and that it explains how adaptations arise. What are adaptations? Give two examples of adaptations. Adaptations are inherited characteristics of organisms that enhance their survival and reproduction in specific environments. Possible examples include the mottled coloration of a fawn that allows it to blend with its environment, or the sharp talons and beaks of birds of prey so well suited for predation. Explain the process of natural selection. In the process of natural selection, individuals that have certain inherited traits tend to survive and reproduce at higher rates than other individuals because of those traits. Let’s try to summarize Darwin’s observations that drive changes in species over time: Observation 1. Variations in traits exist. Cite an Example Variation in color and spot pattern of Asian ladybird beetles 2. These variations (traits) are heritable. Variation in closely related species of elephants; offspring resemble close relatives more than other members of a population. 3. Species overproduce. Dandelions produce thousands of seeds. 4. There is competition for resources; not all offspring survive. Not all dandelion seeds germinate or survive to maturity From these four observations, what two inferences did Darwin make? 1. Individuals whose inherited traits give them a higher probability of surviving and reproducing in a given environment tend to leave more offspring than other individuals. 2. The unequal ability of individuals to survive and reproduce will lead to the accumulation of favorable traits in the population over generations. It is important to remember that differences in heritable traits can lead to differential reproductive success. This means that the individuals who have the necessary traits to promote survival in the current environment will leave the most offspring. How can this differential reproductive success affect the match between organisms and their environment? When such advantages increase the number of offspring that survive and reproduce, the traits that are favored will likely appear at a greater frequency in the next generation. To demonstrate your understanding of this section, complete the following sentences: Individuals do not evolve. Populations evolve. Now, take out your highlighter and mark the information in the box above. Hold these ideas firmly in your brain! Finally, if you are ever asked to explain Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection (a common AP essay question), do not pull out the phrase â€Å"survival of the fittest.† Instead, cite the points made in question 11 and explain the inferences that are drawn from them. Copyright  © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Concept 22.3 Evolution is supported by an overwhelming amount of scientific evidence 15. Use Figure 22.13 in your text to explain how research with soapberry bugs demonstrated observable evolutionary change. Museum specimens showed that the average beak length of soapberry bugs was comparable to that of soapberry bugs feeding on native species in southern Florida. However, contemporary data suggest that a change in the size of the soapberry bug’s food source, as seen with the introduction of the goldenrain tree, can result in evolution by natural selection for matching beak size. MRSA is in the news today because it is becoming increasingly more common. What is it? MRSA is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a flesh-eating strain How did it become so dangerous? Explain the evolution of MRSA’s resistance to methicillin. MRSA became dangerous because, over time, doctors used a variety of antibiotics, such as penicillin, to combat MRSA. Each time a new antibiotic was used to fight the disease, some S. aureus populations would develop resistance to the new drug. In 1959, doctors used the powerful antibiotic methicillin. Members of the S. aureus population that were resistant to methicillin reproduced at higher rates, leading to the spread of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Do antibiotics cause bacteria to become resistant? Explain your response. No. A drug does not create resistant pathogens; it selects for resistant individuals that are already present in the population. Let’s make a list of the four evidences for evolution that are described in this concept. Give an example of each. Evidence for Evolution Example Direct observations of evolutionary change Homology Possible examples include the evolution of MRSA or the change in beak size in soapberry bugs. Possible examples include the similarities between mammalian forelimbs. Possible examples include fossils that show ancestors of cetaceans had hind limbs. Possible examples include the creation of the evolutionary tree of horses, based on fossil locations. Fossil record Biogeography How does the fossil record give evidence for evolution? The fossil record documents the pattern of evolution, showing that past organisms differed from present-day organisms and that many species have become extinct. Copyright  © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. What is meant by each of the following terms? Give an example of each. Term Homologous structures Vestigial structures Analogous structures (see p. 465) Explanation/Example Structures in different species that are similar because of common ancestry. For example, mammalian forelimbs. A feature of an organism that is a historical remnant of a structure that served a function in the organism’s ancestors. For example, skeletons of some snakes retain vestiges of the pelvis and leg bones. Having characteristics that are similar because of convergent evolution, not homology. For example, the wing of a butterfly and wing of a bat both make flight possible. How do homologous structures give evidence for evolution? Homologous structures represent variations on a structural theme that was present in the common ancestors of a species. What is summarized in an evolutionary tree? An evolutionary tree reflects evolutionary relationships among groups of organisms. Figure 22.17 in your text shows an evolutionary tree. What is indicated by each branch point in the following figure? Mark each branch point. Each branch point represents the common ancestors of the lineage beginning there and to the right of it. Refer to Figure 22.17 on page 464. What is indicated by the hatch marks in Figure 22.17? A hatch mark represents a homologous characteristic shared by all the groups to the right of the mark. Use the tree in question 24 to answer this question: Are crocodiles more closely related to lizards or to birds? Explain your response. Based on this evolutionary tree, crocodiles are more closely related to birds than to lizards because they share a more common ancestor with the birds than with lizards. On the evolutionary tree, label the vertical lines to the right, and annotate the key feature that marks each group. See page 464 of your text for the labeled figure. Organisms that are only distantly related can resemble each other. Explain convergent evolution, and describe how analogous structures can arise. Convergent evolution is the independent evolution of similar features in different lineages. In such examples as the marsupials of Australia, in which species share features because of convergent evolution, the resemblance is said to be analogous. Analogous features share similar function, but not common ancestry. Copyright  © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Convergent evolution might be summarized like this: Similar problem, similar solution. Can you give two examples of convergent evolution? Answers will vary but may include the sugar glider and the flying squirrel, and the evolution of wings in birds and bats. Study Tip Homologous structures show evidence of relatedness (whale fin, bat wing). Analogous structures are similar solutions to similar problems but do not indicate close relatedness (bird wing, butterfly wing). What is biogeography? How is it affected by continental drift and the presence of endemic species? Biogeography is the geographic distribution of species. The geographic distribution of organisms is influenced by many factors, including continental drift, the slow movement of Earth’s movement over time, and the presence of endemic species, species that are found nowhere else in the world. Let’s wrap up all of these ideas with a final summary. ORGANIZE YOUR THOUGHTS Evolution is change in species over time. Heritable variations exist within a population. These variations can result in differential reproductive success. Over generations, this can result in changes in the genetic composition of the population. And remember: Individuals do not evolve! Populations evolve. Test Your Understanding Answers Now you should be ready to test your knowledge. Place your answers here: 1. b Copyright  © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc.

Point Shaving :: essays research papers

I think that it’s a tragedy to see that many collegiate athletes are involved in gambling situations. It’s hard on the athletes too, because they’re not getting paid to play the game so it’s hard to resist thousands of dollars to only win by a few, in cases on point shaving. When I was watching that movie â€Å"Blue Chips†, which is all about illegal college betting and buying athletes to come to their school, there was a scene involving the coach and the point guard regarding a point shaving incident three years ago. After the student was harassed by the coach he finally confessed saying, â€Å"We won the game, we just didn’t beat the spread. That’s only for those gamblers anyway†. He has a point with what he said but that’s not the point. A lot of young athletes do see point shaving as partaking in an illegal and unlawful event or don’t believe that much in it, morally. So people say that if the college players were getting paid none of this would happen. I don’t know if giving the players a stipend is going end this because unless you’re paying the athletes thousands of dollars a week or a game, the stipend won’t be more than what they’re being offered. I do think that it might help but I’m not sure if that help is going to make a big enough difference. On the same note, if you eliminate spreads, can they be sure that it will make a difference when it comes to gambling. Don’t get me wrong, eliminating the spreads would decrease the amounts of point shaving incidents, but it won’t necessarily stop them. Bookies can make up their own spreads and ask players to shave points regardless of the fact that the spread is not publicized. The bookie has an idea by about how much one team may beat another. I understand that they will probably never â€Å"eliminate collegiate gambling† but they’re t rying to limit and reduce it and I’m all for it too. Unfortunately there is the big issue of the politicians and their campaigning for funds and it’s going to be hard to control that too. I can understand why Congress isn’t closing the Nevada loophole or at least delaying it, but I still don’t agree with it.