Emperor Aurangzeb is frequently viewed as a discriminatory figure, unlike his great grandfather Emperor Akbar, who is celebrated for his religious policy of tolerance. However, if we look past this, it becomes clear that Aurangzeb’s main concern was the maintenance of the empire, and not religion. What people view as Aurangzeb’s botched and discriminatory religiousContinue reading “Aurangzeb: Dispelling Myths about Religious Intolerance”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Covid-19 and Dystopian Literature
Now, as a student of both English and History, I’m not surprised that both topics have the ability to predict the future. We are living in unprecedented times, and probably facing the biggest crisis most of us will face in our lifetimes. The first thing I thought of, when I watched Boris enforce a quarantine,Continue reading “Covid-19 and Dystopian Literature”
O! O! O! Othello’s Oddly Onnoying Onderdevelopment
Some criticisms of Othello… Now, I like Othello. Shakespeare brings the issue of race into his plays, and really paints a stunning portrait of a pure marriage that is slowly poisoned. Despite that being at the heart of the play, I found that a lot of other aspects of it are slightly underdeveloped… and evenContinue reading “O! O! O! Othello’s Oddly Onnoying Onderdevelopment”
Fact in Fiction: Anne Boleyn in ‘Wolf Hall’
An analysis of Anne Boleyn’s portrayal in Hilary Mantel’s acclaimed novel, ‘Wolf Hall’! Anne Boleyn is a central character in the book ‘Wolf Hall,’ by Hilary Mantel. Thomas Cromwell’s rise to power centred on the annulment of Henry VIII’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon, as Cromwell was proactive in speeding up the divorce, and ensuringContinue reading “Fact in Fiction: Anne Boleyn in ‘Wolf Hall’”
Defending Estella from ‘Great Expectations’
A case for one of Dickens’ frostiest characters. To match with the chilly weather that we are getting this January I thought I’d write about one of the iciest characters out there, Estella from Charles Dickens’ ‘Great Expectations.’ Her reputation precedes her, and I for one can’t understand Pip’s infatuation with her… or people’s hatredContinue reading “Defending Estella from ‘Great Expectations’”
The Gothic in ‘A Christmas Carol’
Searching for the Gothic in Dickens’ Christmas classic! ‘A Christmas Carol’ is a classic Christmas story, as it encompasses all that should be at the heart of Christmas. Love, joy, family… and a prize turkey that can feed the five thousand. It also gives us the lesson that people can change and that sometimes theyContinue reading “The Gothic in ‘A Christmas Carol’”
GUILTY! Henry VIII, Thomas Cromwell and Anne Boleyn: Who was the most responsible figure for Anne’s downfall?
3 iconic figures. 3 historians. A guide to the ending of one of the most dramatic marriages in British history – who was responsible?… The controversial union of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn in January 1536 led to the break with Rome, and the formation of the Church of England. Their marriage ended with Anne’sContinue reading “GUILTY! Henry VIII, Thomas Cromwell and Anne Boleyn: Who was the most responsible figure for Anne’s downfall?”
Thomas Hardy’s use of colour in ‘Tess of the D’Urbervilles’
Note: This article will probably make more sense if you have read the novel, and contains spoilers!
Some thoughts on Hardy’s use of colour in the aforementioned novel, based on my first reading of it!
Why is it so difficult to assess the causes of the Wars of the Roses?
My take on one of the longest family feuds to grace the history books… The Wars of the Roses describes a bloody period of instability within England, that led to numerous battles, the cause of which is said to be difficult to assess. However, when assessing the events, the weakness of Henry VI can beContinue reading “Why is it so difficult to assess the causes of the Wars of the Roses?”
Power relations in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and ‘Antigone’
Foucault notes that power is ‘interwoven with all social relations,’[1] and such relations occur as a result of ‘divisions and inequalities.’[2] In both ‘Antigone and ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ power relations are defined by the inequality that is influenced by gender. The control that Creon has over Antigone, as her King and uncle, and theContinue reading “Power relations in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and ‘Antigone’”
Khambay's Words, Words, Words 