The Image of Medieval Western Europe Essay - 769 Words

The image of medieval western Europe can be attributed to political, religious, economic, and cultural factors. The impulse of expansion, unity under Christianity, trade, and education were key developments within the factors. Ultimetly, these developments contributed to the advancement of medieval western Europe in the postclassical period. The medieval government in western Europe exercised feudalism which also established the structure of political powers. Kings held the most authority while lords and knights were above peasants. These relationships were able to continue since government was local rather than centralized. Though the government remained local in a majority of kingdoms, leaders wanted to expand their land. Wars became†¦show more content†¦The Christian religion was incorporated into political matters. However, it was considered a separate entity with power of its own. The economy of Western Europe relied on differences between social classes for local agriculture and international trade. Manorialism did institute a social system, but more importantly, it defined the economic roles of a regional kingdom. Peasants cultivated land and paid rent while knights and lords provided military service plus paid homage to the king. Though this system supported life in the early Middle Ages, new agricultural improvements loosened ties between landlords and peasants. Despite the change in peasant obligations to a landlord, agriculture remained vital in markets since its production increased beyond local needs. The growth of urban areas led to specialized manufacturing and other commercial activities such as trade. Also, another aspect of medieval European economic activity was the guild. This gave people the opportunity to specialize in other jobs or crafts that influenced trade productivity. As a result of trade, the use of money across long distance routes introduced banks into western Europe. A large portion of medieval Europe’s economic stability relied upon agriculture and local and international trade. The culture of Medieval Western Europe focused on education and logical reasoning with faith. Education inspired the construction ofShow MoreRelatedEmotion And Devotion : The Meaning Of Mary Medieval Religious Cultures Essay1508 Words   |  7 Pagesthe major arguments that Miri Rubin presents in her book Emotion and Devotion: The Meaning of Mary in Medieval Religious Cultures. Rubin’s book is divided into three chapters which are: The Global â€Å"Middle Ages;† Mary, and Others; and Emotions and Selves. In each of these chapters, Rubin explores a particular topic that she thinks is important when trying to understand the figure of Mary in medieval religious cultures. I will begin this paper by drawing out the main arguments that are offered in eachRead MoreThe Medieval Machine by Jean Gimpel600 Words   |  3 Pages The Medieval Machine by Jean Gimpel, shows information about the technological accomplishments of the middle Ages. The basic idea is that during the two centuries from around 1050 Western Europe went through a kind of industrial revolution that was just as important as of the nineteenth century’s. In his book Jean Gimpel goes over medieval primary industry, which includes energy sources like the creation of mills that were moved by wind power or by water. In these cases, the turningRead MoreA World Lit Only By Fire Essay1249 Words   |  5 Pagesbook of popular history defending the increasingly unpopular view among historians that the medieval world was culturally, religiously, and technologically backward. This world was destroyed by the blossoming of confidence in reason and the progress of art, literacy, astronomy, geography, and theology. The book is divided into three chapters. The first chapter introduces Manchester s conception of the medieval mindset. The second chapter includes a lengthy discussion about how this mindset was continuouslyRead More The Church and the Middle Ages Essay596 Words   |  3 PagesThe Church and the Middle Ages The Middle Ages were a period in Europe dating from the collapse of the Roman Empire in the West, around the 5th century. However, the fixing of dates for the beginning and end of the Middle Ages is arbitrary. According to the Norton Anthology, Medieval social theory held that society was made up of three estates: the nobility, composed of a small hereditary aristocracy,...,the church, whose duty was to look after the spiritual welfare of that body, and everyoneRead MoreMiddle Ages as the Age of Faith Essay893 Words   |  4 Pagesyou live and conquer in the Lord, but exalt and glory even more if you die and join the Lord (H.G. Koenigsberger 187). The crusades brought many benefits; food, textiles and also the spread of Islamic science and art, which would greatly benefit Europe who, was somewhat behind. The quest for knowledge was rejuvenated with the growth of cathedral schools. However church schools could only teach so much. Universities grew due to the formation of guilds of teachers and pupils and also because ofRead MoreEssay about The Emergence of Europe1417 Words   |  6 Pagesï » ¿ The Emergence of Europe In the Early Middle Ages: The Germanic Tribes, the Roman Legacy, and the Christian Church Marina Lundstrom History 114 – Western Civilization The World I Due: November 8, 2014 After the fall of the Roman Empire around the fifth century, it took â€Å"hundreds of years† for the western part of Europe â€Å"to establish a new society.†1 The emergence of this new European civilization during a period known as the Early Middle Ages, included three major components:Read MoreThe Medieval Period Essay1167 Words   |  5 PagesA set point in the historical time line stands as the medieval period. The medieval period in history was the era in European history – from around the 5th to the 15th century, coming after the fall of the Western Roman Empire, and preceding the start of the early modern era. This historical time period has been long since been the victim of film directors and romantic novelists, which has lead to the common, but false, idea of the medieval period consisting of knights and damsels in distress, wizardsRead MoreThe Carolingian Renaissance1472 Words   |  6 PagesCharles the Great, was one of the greatest leaders during the Middle Ages. He was a military man, king of the Franks, and was appointed as Roman emperor in 800 AD. Throughout Europe, he was seen as a great example of an emperor and Christian king. Not only did he revive the political system but also the cultural life of Europe. His activities had a spectacular effect on education and culture in Francia, a debatable effect on artistic endeavors, and an immeasurable effect on what mattered most to theRead MoreEssay on Michelangelo and Renaissance Religion1148 Words   |  5 PagesMichelangelo and Renaissance Religion Michelangelo Buonarroti lived in a time when the medieval aspects of Christianity were overwhelmed by the upheaval of the Reformation. His art portrays this change in religious philosophy by discerning the major trends and objectives of the Renaissance. His works show us...the changing world around him (Richmond 4). In addition, Michelangelo seriously impacted generations of artists to come. The Renaissance was a rebirth that led to new waysRead MoreThe Periodization of the History of Western Europe1669 Words   |  7 PagesHistorians generally define the periodization of the history of Western Europe during the Middle Ages into three eras: the Early Middle Ages (5th-11th Centuries AD); the High Middle Ages (1000-1300 AD); and the Late Middle Ages (1300-1500). Construction of the great Gothic cathedrals began during the High Middle Ages, which was an era that experienced a dramatic re-emergence of urban life and an increasing sophistication in secular culture (Singman xi). Major events in the High Middle Ages include

What Makes Jane Eyre An Unusual Woman For Her Time Essay

What Makes Jane Eyre An Unusual Woman For Her Time? Charlotte Bronte wrote Jane Eyre in the mid nineteenth century. At this time women were treated as inferior and believed to be less capable then men. In the Victorian age this belief was widely accepted and most women would marry and have children. Women were generally expected to serve men; this meant many ladies were both emotionally and financially dependent on their husbands. The fact that most women abided by these traditional values meant that it was extremely difficult for women to get jobs in the Victorian age. Employers were often against the idea of employing women because they were not believed to be as efficient as men and it was looked down upon in society. The†¦show more content†¦When living in Gateshead Jane felt Mrs Reed owned her. Therefore Miss Eyre links being owned with bad experiences so she tries to avoid belonging to anybody or being dependent on someone to avoid remembering her time spent in Gateshead. When Mr Rochester is her employer he offers her a fifty-pound note where only fifteen is due, her need for complete independence is shown, I declined accepting more than was my due. Jane refuses this offer because in her eyes it would be admitting that she is not totally independent and relies on him. Most women would have welcomed extra money, as during the Victorian reign money was scarce especially for unmarried women. Jane differs in the fact that money is not important to her, only her own independence. She is unusual for her ability to be happy with what she has instead of wanting what she has not. This selflessness is a rare quality, certainly not common within the relative poverty of many people living in her time. When Jane flees Thornfield after finding out about Mr Rochesters sinister secret she goes hungry for some time. Even when St John and his family take in Jane she still asks for no financial help showing her underlying independence. Too proud to return to the man who had deceived her it seems unfeasible that she asks for no help and instead seeks employment, yet this is what she does. Baring in mind how difficult it was in the Victorian time for a woman to find a job and an unbiasedShow MoreRelatedEssay on Jane Eryes Experience as a Governess1006 Words   |  5 Pagesgoverness is an educated woman who works for a family by teaching the school age children. It was the type of job that almost all young girls would not want to be but ironically the children of the household most likely admired and were very fond of their governess. Most children were closer to their governess than their own mother. If there was a governess in a home, the mother no longer had to take care of her children but could now devote her life to the church and her husband. The term governessRead MoreJanes Relationship with Rochester in Brontes Jane Eyre Essay1257 Words   |  6 PagesRelationship with Rochester in Brontes Jane Eyre Works Cited Not Included Jane Eyre is one of the most famous and well-read romantic novels in English literature. The novel has been translated into scores of different languages and adapted many times for dramatised productions. The relationship between Jane and Rochester is the central theme of Read MoreJane Eyre And Fahrenheit 4511381 Words   |  6 PagesJane Eyre and Fahrenheit 451 are two pieces of literature destined to stand the test of time. They both possess various traits which distinguish themselves as ‘classics,’ thereby allowing them to be relevant novels regardless of the time period. These aforementioned traits are derived from the facts that both of these novels are timelessly relatable in the sense of possessing the universal ‘coming of age’ theme regarding overcoming disillusionment, give a glimpse into history by acting as symbolsRead MoreEssay on Women Oppressed in Charlotte Brontes Jane Eyre1666 Words   |  7 PagesJane Eyre: Women Oppressed      Ã‚   Gender is not a biological fact but a social construct.   However, so many assumptions have been made in the attempt to define the terms gender and sex that society often defines gender as being solely male and female.   The female sex has traditionally been oppressed due to inferences on physical and mental constraints that male-dominated society has imposed.   As with culture, gender socialization begins with birth and the family structure, though many believeRead MoreJane Eyre By Charlotte Bronte1733 Words   |  7 Pagessymbolic functions of the narrative  would rather be challenging. However, though the analysis of  Jane Eyre  written by  Charlotte Bronte, certain factors come into focus.The novel of Charlotte Bronte entitled Jane Eyre has showcased a lot of issues that specifies how women in that time have been depicted by the experiences that the protagonist of the novel has encountered. The novel was published in a time when women were only considered as display or jewels of the noble men and mothers who are taskedRead MoreAnalysis Of Charlotte Bronte s Jane Eyre1110 Words   |  5 Pagesand she expressed her frustration towards this in Jane Eyre. Within this brief passage, Charlotte Brontà « elegantly employs symbolism, allusions, and diction in order to assert Jane’s determination to stay true to herself, despite the pressures exerted on her by society. To be honest, the amount of symbolism within the passage is actually quite minor in comparison to the rest of the novel, where it can be found in scores. However, the particular symbol Brontà « uses is a part of her rather prevalentRead MoreJane Eyre and Bertha Mason Essay1455 Words   |  6 PagesJane Eyre and Bertha Mason can be compared and contrasted easily by showing the way they act in various situations in the novel. There is also a significant difference between how they were raised and how they met Mr. Rochester. Jane was known as the girl who had many things to say but never voiced them. Bertha, on the other hand, would let everyone know what she was feeling by her actions. Both Jane and Bertha had some of the same feelings about how their life was at that time. Jane was raisedRead MoreJane Eyre Essay3572 Words   |  15 Pagesin which Bronte and Rhys construct the adult selves of Jane and Antoinette and consider how this shapes their relationship with Rochester. Jane Eyre and Wide Sargasso Sea present the childhoods and later lives of two women, who similarly marry the complex character, Mr. Rochester. Both begin their lives as outsiders, Jane because of economic differences to the rest of her family and Antoinette because of racial distinctions to the rest of her community. However, the characters undergo oppositionalRead MoreEssay about Passion and Practicality of Jane Eyre1862 Words   |  8 PagesPassion and Practicality of Jane Eyre      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Charlotte Brontes Jane Eyre is a coming-of-age story about an unconventional womans development within a society of strict rules and expectations. At pivotal moments in Janes life, she makes choices which are influenced by her emotions and/or her reason. Through the results of those choices, Jane learns to balance passion and practicality to achieve true happiness.    Jane is a spirited woman, and her emotions give her a strength of characterRead MoreGothic Elements of Jane Eyre by Emily Bronte Essay2208 Words   |  9 PagesGothic Elements of Jane Eyre by Emily Bronte The term Gothic was popularly used in the late 18th century and throughout the 19th century and came to mean wild or barbaric. It was used to describe a distinct style of literature, which, in contrast to the strict moral codes of the time, allowed the author to introduce a novel full of wildness, passion and fantasy and to thrill their readers with tales of supernatural events and forbidden love. Gothic novels were

Scientist Essay Example For Students

Scientist Essay Scientists and the products of their work are far from neutral. Rather than embodying neutrality, scientists are inextricably connected to the existing distribution of interests and power. White, male scientists over the centuries have attempted to use science as a medium for all their findings, which inevitably support their personal beliefs. In my experience, scientists are extremely intelligent, but particularly one-sided. Hearing the words scientist and neutral in the same sentence disturbs meafter all, scientists have tried to prove an unlimited amount of times that blacks are innately less intelligent then whites, and that women are innately weaker and possess less natural ability in math and science than men do . Ruth Hubbard, in her essay Science, Facts and Feminism, explains that, as scientists, our job is to generate facts that help people understand nature. Websters dictionary defines the word scientist as one who studies natural science. Scientists seek knowledge from Mo ther Nature, which David Barash views as sexist, to understand many things including the certain roles genders play in society. Similar to these science critics, I believe trying to figure out and define roles based on our biological make-up is immoral. It causes conflicts and biases that account for the separation between genders. Hubbard argues that the ideology of womans nature that is invoked at these times would have us believe that a womans capacity to become pregnant leaves her always physically disabled in comparison with men. This ideology, supported by male scientists, has affected the roles of women in society and the workplace. It hinders womens access to employment and influences some to believe that their place in society is at home (based on nature). Other scientists have also tried to prove that womens disproportionate contributions to childcare and homecare are biologically programmed because women have a greater biological investment in children then men do. My view on this assumption is that the cause of the disproportionate contributions is psychologically, rather than biologically, determined. Fathers might be more sensitive to their children than mothers, and vice versa, proving that scientists point about biological investment is not only obscure, but also invalid. I find no neutrality in that argument, nor in most of their cases. Scientists could be more neutral if they actually tried to provide conclusive evidence for some of their findings. Keller stated, The net result is that scientists are probably less reflective of the tacit assumption that guide their reasoning than any other intellectuals of the modern age. Scientists will arrogantly argue a point without evidence, showing that their point was quite possibly preconceived and thus hardly gender-neutral in todays sexist society. For instance, in the early 1900s, scientists proclaimed that men could fly if they flapped their arms in the same fashion birds did. When the public tested this theory, they proved that scientists were wrong . Also, in the 1980 scientists asserted that only homosexuals could contract AIDS, a theory that was disproved in 1983. Scientists are blinded by their own confidence and beliefs. In their world, everything is absolute, with no eyes monitoring society. They think that scientific language, because it is neutral, is absolute . This view helps secure borders that prevent criticism of what is believed to be objective science. Language, assumed to be transparent, becomes impervious. For instance, Emily Martins The Egg and the Sperm explains the gender stereotypes hidden within the scientific language of biology. The depiction of menstruation as a failure, and the femininity of the egg, while the process of making sperm is viewed as remarkable. The egg is passive and depends on the masculine sperm for rescue. This example shows biased scientific language, which is used by scientists to define gender roles in society. Scientists not only show their biases in their language, but also their products. They define nature and the rules in society to please their well-being and beliefs. Until they become less prejudiced, humanity will continue to view them as bias individuals.

The forgotten group memeber case Essay Example

The forgotten group memeber case Essay The facilitator, Christine, is assumed to embrace the same roles and adhere to the equivalent theories defined for a leader. Also, it is believed that the principles taught within Professor Rasmussens Organizational Behaviour class are consistent with those discussed by Dr. Keeping. The outcomes associated with the alternative solutions are based upon the likelihood of their interpretations within the group meeting corresponding with our interpretations of the theories utilized and are not explicitly applied with certainty. Statement of the Problem Due to lack of: clearly defined team roles, demonstrated leadership qualities, effort by all members and acknowledgment of communication barriers, conflict was imminent within the group. Immediate problems to be addressed by all members of the group include Janets feelings of exclusion from the group and Christines lack of insight into the apparent causes of Janets loss of motivation to be a group member. Professor Rasmussen must decide whether to resolve the feelings of inequality between the group members and if delegating a further assignment to Janet is appropriate. Analysis of the Problem As stated in the course outline received by all students at the commencement of the term, group work is considered to be the primary medium through which applying the theories learned in class is to be implemented. Causes of animosity within the group may be attributed to group dynamics, norm formation, leadership inefficiencies, perceptions, conscientiousness and communication barriers. As explained by Professor Rasmussen during the second class, all groups undergo four stages of interaction: forming, norming, storming and performing1. We will write a custom essay sample on The forgotten group memeber case specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The forgotten group memeber case specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The forgotten group memeber case specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer These four phases are also referred to as mutual acceptance, communication and decision making, motivation and productivity and control and organization. Interaction amongst those who have had no previous relations together is facilitated through the first stage; where personal preferences and work schedules are exchanged, strengths and weaknesses made apparent and expectations clarified2. The first group meeting held was used to recognize these necessities. The second stage, where norms, goals and performance ideals are mutually established through discussion, should not occur without careful consideration and input by all members. The formation of the group failed to fully complete this stage however, allowing the ambiguous actions of members to be perceived incongruently. Norms are behaviours that social groups deem proper when interacting, so that actions may be consistent and activities made predictable3. To be effective, all must clearly understand and adhere to these expectations for there to be cohesiveness. At the commencement of the semester, Professor Rasmussen defined his norms for the groups and required all students to sign a contract, indicating that all expectations have been acknowledged. Unfortunately, within Christines group, not all members abided by the norms. One member in particular, Janet, failed to fulfill the contract to its fullest extent, however, one should not fault the lack of cohesiveness strictly to Janet. The group accepted the norms delivered by Professor Rasmussen but did not redefine or set out norms to be suitable for them selves. Nor was the contract or its contents reviewed during the group meetings. Therefore, it may be inferred that the group failed to establish strict rules or guidelines, causing the situation they are presently in. Christine, as facilitator, should have ensured that the norms were set as they are a vital aspect of a successful group4. Christines style of leadership throughout this situation may be described using the theory of Leader-Member Exchange. This theory focuses upon the unique relations between a leader and their subordinates. Greater personality similarities contribute to closer relations, allowing for stronger bonds to be forged5. These strong personality connections cause the subordinate to be designated a member of the ingroup. The ingroup consists of those who receive special preferences such as inclusion within social activities that occur outside of the organization. Those subordinates who do not receive this special treatment are considered the outgroup members. As facilitator, Christine did not form a strong inter-personal relationship with Janet, her subordinate. As sole member of the outgroup, Janet did not satisfy the need to relate to her colleagues as defined by ERG; a theory first proposed by Clayton Alderfer that defines the needs of existence, relatedness and growth as essential to human motivation. The need of relatedness is the ability to identify with ones peers and establishing a sense of belongingness6. Janet was not able to experience the cohesiveness established through the extracurricular social interactions. The rest of the members were able to receive these benefits and become highly cohesive due to their designated statuses as members of the ingroup. Because Janet was excluded from the ingroup and was allocated to the outgroup, she was lead to encompass unmotivated behaviours. She was lead to feel unmotivated, as she was a victim of the fundamental attribution error principle. This theory states that one may have their preferences and ideals seen as the primary cause of their actions although situational attributions may be the proper cause7. Janet experienced this bias by the members of her group, as she chose to help her boyfriend with his project instead of meeting with the group at the designated time, as she previously agreed to. From her perspective, she did not intentionally choose to spend the allotted time with her boyfriend, however the group feels that her actions were a blatant attempt to avoid contributing further. This principle was also used by Janet, as she attributed Christines lack of social inclusion to the general dislike of her personality. Due to the diverse personality composition of the group, it is imperative that the leader manages the situation with care to ensure that conflicting ideals do not affect the groups cohesiveness. Stereotypes attributed amongst the members of the group lead to distrust as well as communication problems. A leader must recognize these issues and allocate the required time towards helping the group unify8. When Christine first met with her group, she made stereotypical assumptions about each individual based upon her first impressions and the brief biographies supplied to her. One may describe representativeness heuristics as a method in which a person evaluates others based on characteristics or previous occurrences9. Christine utilizes this principle when she assumes that Janet is unmotivated and uninterested with the group project; as she was late to the first meeting and mentioned all her free time was spent with her boyfriend. This causes the group to feel as though Janet does not want to work with them, which leads her to feel unwelcome. Although Janet has contributed her allotted portion of the assignment, Christine still holds negative feelings due to selective perception10; the ability to omit information, which does not correspond to, established beliefs. Despite the fact that Janet was a fully contributing member, the group continued to hold a negative bias due to her lack of social activity. Also, Mike had the tendency to put forth less effort than other group members, which is looked upon as free riding. A free rider is one who tries to maximize their outputs while minimizing their level of inputs11. Due to his lack of focus and recurring need to bring humour to all situations, Mike is seen as a fully contributing member because of his constant presence. Christines lack of leadership contributed to the differing ways in which each individual was treated, causing the group to have a lack of respect for her position. A persons conscientiousness defines the range of tasks they wish to sustain and the variety of activities in which they chose to involve themselves. A person who appears to focus on effectively completing a small number of goals is viewed as displaying high-conscientiousness. They value the characteristics being responsible, organized and self-disciplined. Anchored at the opposing end of the continuum are those whom are regarded as exhibiting low-conscientiousness. They apply themselves to a large number of responsibilities that often cause them to become overwhelmed by the volume and incapable of applying the effort required. People within this category tend to be careless, irresponsible and lack self-sufficiency12. In applying this theory to the case, it is apparent that Janet tends demonstrate characteristics consistent with a less-conscientious person. She is studying at a university, maintaining two jobs and is fully committed to a serious relationship. Therefore, Janets time is greatly consumed with a larger variety of activities than others within her peer group. This detracts from her performance in the group-case study. Communication is an essential element for coordinating efforts and sharing information within any interpersonal atmosphere13. Barriers to communication arose concerning Mikes free- riding tendencies and Janets failure to attend group meetings regularly due to Christines failure to fulfill the role of facilitator. Instead of avoiding the conflict, Christine should have resolved the issues as they became apparent, for they caused stronger concentration upon Janets individualized status.