Write short notes on the following in about 200 words each:
(i) Political Debates of 17th Century England.
Solution
The political debates of 17th century England were marked by conflicts between the Royalists and Parliamentarians, questions of religious freedom, and the emergence of modern political institutions such as the Cabinet and the two-party system. The struggle for power between the monarch and parliament dominated political discourse, ultimately leading to the English Civil War and the establishment of a republic under Oliver Cromwell.
The conflict between the Royalists and Parliamentarians centered on whether the monarch or parliament should hold absolute authority. This debate ultimately led to the English Civil War, which resulted in the execution of King Charles I and the establishment of a republic under Oliver Cromwell. The question of religious freedom also emerged during this period, as various religious groups vied for dominance. The Toleration Act of 1689 granted limited religious freedom to nonconformists.
The debates of 17th century England also gave rise to modern political institutions such as the Cabinet and the two-party system. The Cabinet emerged as a way to balance power between the monarch and parliament, while the two-party system developed as a result of ongoing conflicts between the Royalists and Parliamentarians, with the Whig and Tory parties emerging as dominant political forces.
Overall, the political debates of 17th century England had a significant impact on the country’s political system and continue to influence modern political discourse. They shaped the balance of power between the monarch and parliament, established religious freedom, and paved the way for the modern institutions of government.
Write short notes on the following in about 200 words each:
(ii) Satire in New Classical Age.
Solution
The New Classical Age, also known as the Enlightenment period, saw a rise in the use of satire as a literary and cultural tool. Satire was used to criticize social and political issues, as well as to challenge traditional beliefs and values.
One of the key features of satire during this period was its use of wit and humor to expose and ridicule societal issues. For example, Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal” satirized the English government’s neglect of the Irish population by suggesting that the Irish should sell their children as food to the wealthy. The satirical nature of the proposal was intended to highlight the absurdity of English policy towards Ireland and to draw attention to the plight of the Irish people.
Another notable satirical work of the New Classical Age was Voltaire’s “Candide,” which satirized the optimistic philosophy of Leibniz. Voltaire used his protagonist, Candide, to challenge the idea that this is the “best of all possible worlds” by presenting him with a series of disastrous events and tragedies. Through this work, Voltaire sought to critique the hypocrisy of religious and philosophical authorities who claimed to have all the answers but failed to account for the suffering of others.
Satire was also used to challenge traditional beliefs and values. For instance, Alexander Pope’s “The Rape of the Lock” satirized the vanity of the aristocracy by poking fun at a petty dispute over a lock of hair. The poem highlighted the absurdity of their obsession with status and appearance and challenged the traditional view that the aristocracy were above reproach.
In conclusion, satire played a significant role in the New Classical Age by exposing societal issues and challenging traditional beliefs and values. Its use of humor and wit made it an effective tool for criticism and helped to shape the cultural and political landscape of the time.