Essay, Research Paper
Book Review
Robert Lacey?s The Life and Times of Henry VIII was first published and copyrighted in 1972 by Weidenfeld and Nicolson. This most recent edition was published by Welcome Rain in 1998, though Weidenfeld and Nicolson still hold copyright privileges. Lacey, a former scholar at Bristol Grammar School and Selwyn College at Cambridge, is most noted as a historical novelist. More of his works include Robert, Earl of Essex, an Elizabethan Icarus and the internationally renowned biography of Elizabeth II, Majesty.
The Life and Times of Henry VIII is a biographical work concerning the life of the most infamous, yet well respected King of England. The third child of King Henry VII was not expected to become king, but Henry VIII was known for his wisdom and strength from a very young age. Sir Thomas More compared the young King to the king of beasts, ?If a lion knew his strength, it were hard for any man to hold him.? Lacey never loses sight of the great king?s majestic character in this biography that depicts Henry VIII ?s role as the ?lion? that stood in the center of changing England during the early 16th century. The Life and Times of Henry VIII explores Henry VIII ?s pursuit for the throne, his historically infamous actions there, and his active role in the English reformation. Lacey hails Henry VIII as an admirable leader, despite his controversial lifestyle and political endeavors. With the future of the monarchy at stake, the king?s actions are not only excused but many of his decisions are deemed imperative.
A changing world welcomed religious reformation during the sixteenth century. The teachings of Martin Luther spread rapidly; many had hoped to renew religion as Europe saw it. England, too, was ready for change. However, Henry VIII brought reformation to England for personal gain. Lacey insinuates that the king was well within his right to take control and establish himself head of church and state. Despite Henry?s previous support in the defending of and providing for the Papal position in England, he found the power of the church to greatly rival that of his own. The Catholic Church, as a whole, threatened the English succession of the monarchy. Lacey portrays the king?s tyrannical approach to religious reform as little more than an attempt to harness the loyalty of his subjects away from the pope, and direct it toward the crown.
While the author notes the vigorous and lavish lifestyle led by Henry VIII, the king?s life is downplayed to chronological historical information. While a many of his subjects became scornful toward the king?s often cruel and bullish tactics in enforcing his political intentions upon the religious right of the people, very few were so bold as to challenge him. King Henry VIII had truly instilled loyalty and devotion into the hearts of his subjects; by bringing the English monarchy to the pinnacle of its arbitrary power.
Lacey believes Henry VIII to have been a remarkable leader. He supports that decisions of the king should not be questioned. Henry VIII was the King of England who achieved his position and inspired his subjects with faithfulness and dedication. Spielvogel, the author of Western Civilization describes Henry VIII as a man who didn?t use his ability as king for the people, but for his self benefit. Spielvogel also states that Henry VII ?s primary break from the Catholic Church was for Henry VIII to have an heir to the throne. The English accepted the basic changes that were made after England?s break from the church, due to the fact that matters of theology, ceremony, and doctrine stayed relatively the same. According to Spielvogel, the people appreciated Parliament?s involvement in the reorganization facilitated by King Henry VIII of England. Spielvogel is not as adamant as Lacey, though, when describing the people?s support for the king himself.
Lacey?s illustration of King Henry VIII contradicts my own opinion of England?s great ?lion? on numerous accounts. Though Lacey is obscure in revealing a true relevance to the leadership abilities of Henry VIII, it is undeniable that the historian looked highly upon the king. Henry VIII was forceful and assertive, yet he wasn?t the ?great? king Lacey portrays him to be. Henry VIII may have been king, but to make himself head of the church and state shows only that he took advantage of his position. I agree with Lacey that the Catholic Church had too much control over the lives of England?s people and Henry VIII did have a right to prompt the monarchy higher. However, Henry VIII was a relentless and apathetic king to his subjects. The immoral life Henry VIII led caused the king to make, yet never admit multiple inappropriate mistakes. Comprehending right from wrong was not anything Henry VIII often thought about; as a child Henry VIII was told that he was perfect and therefore could do what he pleased. Henry VIII felt his perfection, and thus egocentrism, continued throughout his reign. Lacey makes excuses for Henry VIII?s behavior, just as the king?s subjects did, long ago.
My opinions on the reign of King Henry VIII and my opinions of Henry VIII the man are more comparable with those thoughts of Spielvogel, the author of Western Civilization. Spielvogel portrays Henry VIII to be a king who does things to better himself. I too feel that Henry VIII took advantage of his powerful position and risked the people?s faith, and sometimes lives, for his own betterment. Henry VIII was a cunning man who did not use his reign for anything except to make sure an heir to the throne carried on his name. The intelligence of Henry VIII is undeniable, but he did not use his powers as king where they were needed most. In spite of his pursuit for self-gratification, King Henry VIII does take responsibility for raising the English monarchy to a point it would never succeed again. I, in addition to many historians, could continue to criticize the reign of Henry VIII, but without the reign of Henry VIII, noble England would not be what it is today.
Другие работы по теме:
A Man For All Seasons 2 Essay
, Research Paper In the play A Man For All Seasons by Robert Bolt the audience learns about the extraordinary life of Sir Thomas More. Sir Thomas is faced with a moral dilemma that will determine the outcome of his life. More, chancellor of England , and a strong Christian believer is forced to choose between his close friend, King Henry VIII, and the supreme lord his God.
The Little Business Man Essay Research Paper
The Little Business Man By Morley Callaghan In this story, The Little Business Man, by Morley Callaghan, we met several different characters. The most important characters, Luke and Uncle Henry, had several different values. Luke s values were care, protection and optimism, while his uncle s values were organization, insensibility, and efficiency.
King Henry IV And Joseph Strorm
: Archtypical Fathers Essay, Research Paper King Henry IV and Joseph Strorm: Archtypical Fathers An ideal father is one who is both caring and understanding. To fit this
Summary Of The Red Convertible Essay Research
Paper Often times, an inanimate object can be as important and sometimes more important than the characters of the story. In Louise Erdrich’s “The Red Convertible,” the car played an equally important role with that of the characters, but for different reasons.
Queen Elizabeth And Henry VIII Essay Research
Paper She took over the position of England’s leader when her father Henry VIII died. She didn’t care one way or the other what every ones religion was. So she made Anglican the national
The Red Badge Of Courage Essay Essay
, Research Paper The Red Badge of Courage is not a war novel. It is a novel about life. This novel illustrates the trials and tribulations of everyday life. Stephen Crane uses the war as a comparison to everyday life. He is semi-saying that life is like a war. It is a struggle of warriors the every day people against the odds.
Henry Iv Essay Research Paper Henry IV
Henry Iv Essay, Research Paper Henry IV, A Look at a Machiavellian Ruler When looking at Henry IV while studying Niccolo Machiavelli’s The Prince, one can see that henry was extremely Machiavellian in his ways. The Prince, written by Machiavelli, was written to guide a ruler in the key concepts of being able to have a kingdom that endures and to obtain and control and power in order to succeed during his reign.
The Red Convertible Essay Research Paper In
The Red Convertible Essay, Research Paper In the Red Convertible by Louise Erdrich, the main character Henry loses his hold on reality. The story takes place in North Dakota on an Indian Reservation where Henry lives with his brother Lyman. Henry and Lyman buy a Red Convertible that later in the story illustrates Henry?s lack of ability to stay sane.
Henry Viii Essay Research Paper On June
Henry Viii Essay, Research Paper On June 28, 1491 Henry the VIII of England was born. This young man will form his own church. He will succeed to the throne in 1509. He will also marry six women! Something good will happen when he is king, he will unite England and Wales and will also do some bad things like executing people who would not follow his rules.
Henry Ford Essay Research Paper A Historical
Henry Ford Essay, Research Paper A. Historical Narrative 1.Henry Ford, by far the universe^s most renowned industry man, held a strong grip on American business. The Model t, which
Henry VIII By William Shakespeare 15641616 Essay
, Research Paper From the start, this play seemed scourged. It closed after its debut because a fire burned down the theater where it was being performed. Critics have lambasted Henry VIII for its lack
Henry Viii A Controlling And Opportunistic Indivi
Essay, Research Paper Henry VIII A Controlling and Opportunistic Individual What comes to mind when people think of Henry VIII? Was he loyal, greedy or controlling? Most people say that Henry VIII was controlling. Some people might even say that Henry VIII was even self-indulgent to the extreme. Whatever he wanted he would get because he was controlling.
Red Badg Of Courage Essay Essay Research
Paper Henry Fleming was just a child when he entered the army. Even though his journey into manhood took a while, he finally got where he was headed . This journey included many people and things, that help Henry along the way.
Fighting On Two Fronts- Henry Fleming In
Red Badge Of Courage Essay, Research Paper “Fighting on Two Fronts”: Henry Fleming in Red Badge of Courage The Civil War forced many young boys out of childhood and into adulthood. Most of these young boys were not prepared for war, and Henry Fleming was one of these boys.
Henry David Thorea Essay Research Paper Henry
Henry David Thorea Essay, Research Paper Henry David Thoreau conducted an experiment, living simple, and peaceful in a small cabin that he built himself. The observations about nature, the importance of the individual, value of a simple life, and more relevant today, as environment abuses multiply, the pressure to consume increases, and the pace o life continues to speed up.
Morality Vs Immorality Essay Research Paper Every
Morality Vs. Immorality Essay, Research Paper Every person on this planet is unique in some way. We all have ways to identify ourselves from the masses. For some people it s a talent that they possess, for others they way they dress. Some people define themselves by wealth and power whereas others tend to use their morals and or religious beliefs.
Thoreau Henry David Essay Research Paper Thoreau
Thoreau, Henry David Essay, Research Paper Thoreau, Henry David The battle was raging. The two races were pitted against each other in a fight to the death. The ground was already littered with the wounded and
Quotes About Life Essay Research Paper Quotes
Quotes About Life Essay, Research Paper Quotes About Life “The answers to life s problems aren t at the bottom of a bottle: they re on TV!” Homer Simpson “It s a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it.”
Henry Ford Essay Research Paper Transportation has
Henry Ford Essay, Research Paper Transportation has become a major necessity in today’s society. Without the industrial revolution introducing the automobile, most people would find it very hard and frustrating to get around. Henry Ford had become a big part of starting this faster and safer “transportation era”.
Expository Essay On A Farewell To Arms
Essay, Research Paper Ernest Hemmingway’s A Farewell to Arms, the protagonist, Frederic Henry is both dysfunctional and tragic. Throughout the story Henry lives up to this
Review Of
“A Lion In Winter” Essay, Research Paper Henry, the King of England, married Eleanor for her land; their first son died, after him, John was Henry’s favorite, Richard was Eleanors favorite,
Code Hero In A Farewell 2 Arms
Essay, Research Paper In Ernest Hemingway s A Farewell to Arms, Hemingway shows Frederick Henry s progression into a code hero. Frederick Henry achieved many code hero characteristics by
The Life Of Sir Thomas More Essay
, Research Paper The Life of Sir Thomas More Thomas More was born on February 7, 1478. His life is chronicled in historic writing. He was well schooled and very self-disciplined. His accomplishments throughout his life were, and still are, amazing. More was liked and respected by many.
Sir Thomas More 2 Essay Research Paper
The true story of Sir Thomas More, whose refusal to recognize Henry VIII’s marriage to Anne Boleyn cost him his life Robert Bolt s classic about the rise and fall of Thomas More who would not go against his conscience even to
Character Projections Of Henry Fleming S Char
Essay, Research Paper Character Projections of Henry Fleming s Character in The Red Badge Of Courage In The Red Badge of Courage, written by Stephen Crane about the Civil War tells about the decisions in a young soldiers life in battle. The young soldier, Henry Fleming, is faced with the dilemma of whether or not he should run when it comes down to fighting.
Civil Disobeiance Essay Research Paper Civil
Civil Disobeiance Essay, Research Paper Civil Disobedience Civil disobedience is the refusal to obey civil laws. This refusal is in the form of nonviolence. People who use civil disobedience are usually protesting a
Red Badge Of Courage Essay Essay Research
Paper Red Badge of Courage Stephen Crane’s literary technique has long been a matter of great interest, analysis, and speculation. In The Red Badge of Courage Crane takes us into the life of a young man named Henry Fleming, who wants to enlist in the United States Army and fight in the war against the South. By using irony, similes, and symbols, to name a few, Crane ”paints” a vivid picture of what life was like for the fragile Henry Fleming.
Characterization Of Uncle Henry Essay Research Paper
Characterization of Uncle Henry This characterization of Uncle Henry focuses on the two main ways that he is portrayed in “Luke Baldwin’s Vow.” These two ways are: what Morley Callaghan, the author, reveals through the narrator and what other characters say about Henry. In this short story, Henry is usual referred to as Uncle Henry because he is Luke’s uncle.
King Henry Viii Essay Research Paper King
King Henry Viii Essay, Research Paper King Henry VIII Henry VIII (born 1491, ruled 1509-1547). The second son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York was one of England’s strongest and least popular
Henry VIII Essay Research Paper subject
Henry VIII Essay, Research Paper subject = History title = Henry VIII papers = On June 28, 1941 Henry the VIII of England was born. This young man will form his own church. He will succeed to the throne in 1509. He
Henry Viii Essay Research Paper Henry VIII
Henry Viii Essay, Research Paper Henry VIII was king of England (1509-1547), and the founder of the church of England. He was the son of King Henry VII he influenced the character of the English monarchy.
A Hurt Like No Other Essay Research
Paper There are many different things that are repetitively evident throughout ErnestHemingway’s A Farewell To Arms. Such things as rain, alcohol, and food are talkedabout over and over as the novel progresses. At first glance, these reoccurring itemshave no real meaning, but after further research and complete dissection of the novel,there are hidden meanings behind each one.