Elegy, prophecy, and politics: literary responses to the death of Prince Henry Stuart, 1612-1614

This article examines literary responses to the death of Prince Henry Stuart. These texts were written by figures from across the religious and political spectrum. They demonstrate an intriguing variety of responses – sceptical, moderate, and militant. They show that the implications of Henry's death were unstable and keenly contested. Specifically, I look at how elegists use the prophetic voice in order to comment on the political situation in the aftermath of Henry's death, especially in relation to the fortunes of militant Protestantism. Elegists offered advice and critique by using the divine sanction of the prophetic voice, advice that in other contexts would probably not be possible. The final part of this article examines John Webster's elegy for the prince, and reconsiders its relationship to his tragedy The Duchess of Malfi (1613/14). I suggest that the play's thematic interest in elegy, prophecy, and politics, allows Webster to express both militant futility and expectation in the aftermath of Henry's death

Calvinism, Subjectivity and Early Modern Drama

This thesis examines the connections between Calvinism and early modern subjectivity as expressed in the drama produced during the reigns of Elizabeth I and James I. By looking at a range of theological, medical, popular, legal and polemical writings, the thesis aims to provide a new historical and theoretical reading of Calvinist subjectivity that both develops and departs from previous scholarship in the field. Chapter one examines the critical question of 'authority' in early modern Europe. I trace the various classical and medieval antecedents that reinscribed Christ with political authority during the period, and show how the Reformers' conception of conscience arises out of this movement. In chapter two, I offer a parallel reading of Reformed semiotics in relation to the individual's response to two specific loci of power, the Church and the stage. Chapter three brings the first two chapters together by outlining the development of Calvinist doctrine in early modem England. Chapter four offers a theoretical reading of the early modern 'unconscious' in relation to the construction of England as a Protestant nation state against the threat of Catholicism. In the next four chapters, I show how the stage provided the arena for the exploration of Calvinist subjectivities through readings of four early modern plays. Chapter five deals with Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus and in particular the Calvinist conception of Christ interrogated throughout the play. Chapter six looks at The Revenger's Tragedy in relation to the question of masculine lineage and the Name-of-the-(Calvinist)-Father. Finally, in chapters seven and eight, I examine two of William Shakespeare's plays, Macbeth and Antony and Cleopatra. In the first, I demonstrate how the play's concern with witchcraft brings about a parody of providential discourse that is crucial to an understanding of Macbeth's subjectivity. And in the second, I excavate the use of the biblical book of Revelation in Antony and Cleopatra in order to show how an understanding of the text's 'religious' concerns problematises more mainstream readings of the drama

Frances Quarles’ Early Poetry and the Discourses of Jacobean Spenserianism

[opening paragraph:] Early in 1621, King James was obliged to recall parliament for the first time in seven years. He took this action in response to the outbreak of war in Bohemia the year previously, a crisis that had already spread to neighbouring states in central Europe.[1] These events had been precipitated by the less than politic actions of James’ son in law, Frederick, Elector Palatine. In 1619, and against his father in law’s advice, he acquiesced in the deposition of the Catholic ruler of Bohemia, Ferdinand. Frederick assumed the crown and restored Protestant rule to Bohemia. These actions had a number of consequences. First, Frederick antagonised the dual forces of the Holy Roman Empire and Spain, whose response was swift and decisive. Frederick’s army was ignominiously defeated outside Prague in 1620, a number of his commanders were sentenced to death in Prague Castle, and those who managed to escape joined the erstwhile Elector and his wife Elizabeth in exile in Holland. Second, and more pressingly, the crisis threatened to undermine the negotiations taking place for a marriage between James’ son, Charles, and the Spanish Infanta. The fact that James’s foreign policy was recognised across Europe as being assiduously and consistently based on the guiding principle of political pacifism made Frederick’s actions all the more provocative.[2] In England, the issue of how best to respond to the crisis divided opinion. [...

Social identity transition: the role of social identity in eating disorder recovery

Disordered eating recovery is often conceptualised as recovering from physical and psychological features (e.g., weight restoration, reduction in binge eating, self-esteem no longer being tied to weight, no longer over-evaluating weight, and body shape). However, researchers have argued that recovery is not an individualistic process, that it is intertwined with a process of social identity change (Best et al., 2016), thus, recovering socially is also a crucial component of disordered eating recovery (De Vos et al., 2017). Initial research shows that social identities have an important role within disordered eating recovery (Ison & Kent, 2010; McNamara & Parsons, 2016), however, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the more specific nuances of social identities throughout disordered eating recovery. To address this, the present research explored the relationship between social identities and disordered eating recovery. An adapted exploratory sequential mixed method approach was undertaken to address the research question and subsequent objectives. Study 1a (Chapter 4) used an online Social Identity Mapping tool to quantitatively and qualitatively explore the composition of social identity networks held by people in disordered eating recovery (N= 15). Study 1b (Chapter 5) qualitatively explored what disordered eating recovery meant to people who identified as in recovery and how social groups featured throughout disordered eating recovery(N= 15). Based on the conclusions from Study 1, Study 2 was a cross-sectional (N= 185; Chapter 6) and longitudinal (N= 99; Chapter 7) exploration of the relationship between group identifications and mental health/well-being for people seeking disordered eating recovery. The samples used across this thesis all reported seeking and/or being in disordered eating recovery and varied in age (range: 18-62). There are four main original contributions from the present research. (1) This body of work is the first to show people in disordered eating recovery belong to a wide variety of groups that can be beneficial for disordered eating recovery (e.g., family, friends, work friends, hobby groups, opinion-based groups, and demographic groups). Not only were a variety of group found, but understanding the composition of social groups (e.g., positivity, compatibility, and supportiveness of recovery) aids the knowledge development regarding the relationship between social groups and disordered eating recovery. Therefore, this research not only extends previous knowledge but provides an initial understanding about the composition of social groups and social identity networks of people seeking/ in disordered eating recovery. (2) This research established the presence of the ‘uninvolved’ group, an important but complex group. The ‘uninvolved’ group represents groups not aware or involved in the recovery process but are perceived to be supportive. Through this research it can be argued that not all social groups need to be aware of or involved in the disordered eating recovery process, but they need to enable the person recovering to enact their ‘normal’ life as this will aid their recovery. (3) This work was the first to establish the nature of disclosure and concealment of disordered eating to social groups, throughout disordered eating recovery. Showing that both being open and concealing disordered eating from social groups were positive for disordered eating recovery and general health and well-being (anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and satisfaction with life). (4) This research was the first to show that a process of social identity change was intertwined with disordered eating recovery: participants created distance from social groups perceived as unsupportive or that do not fit with recovery, maintained important and supportive groups, and gained new groups that aligned with their recovery. Therefore, the present research showed that social groups and identification with those groups are an important part of disordered eating recovery. As such, it is argued that disordered eating recovery definitions should incorporate social recovery, more specifically a process of social identity change, alongside psychological and physical recovery

The Price Paid: Free Higher Education In Trinidad And Tobago Re-Examined

This dissertation examines the effect of the Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses (GATE) Program on the employment outcomes of graduates in Trinidad and Tobago. Having implemented a tuition-free higher education system in 2006, the Trinidad and Tobago government expected that removing the major cost associated with post-secondary education would not only have resulted in the massification of higher education, but would have been the driving force behind becoming a developed country. A mixed methods approach is used combining analysis of an online survey of graduates of the GATE program, together with interviews of graduates, and other stakeholders. A purposive sampling of post-secondary graduates of the GATE program residing in Trinidad and Tobago yielded a sample of 746 graduates. These graduates responded to an online survey instrument, and 15 of these graduates participated in subsequent semi-structured interviews. Additionally, 5 university administrators, 3 business executives and 5 government officials were interviewed using a semi-structured instrument. Findings from this study indicate that of the 90.1% of the graduates forming part of the survey sample perceived that they were overeducated. Among the interview participants, it was discovered that some of their overeducation stemmed from the structure of the local labor market, both in the types of jobs available and the role the government plays in the labor market. The dissatisfaction graduates expressed with their jobs after graduation has resulted in a ‘degree epidemic’, with graduates consistently pursuing additional degrees in search of that one permanent job which suited the skills they possessed. Additionally, the study identifies a misalignment between the goals of the GATE program and the requirements of the labor market. While initially being portrayed as a means of increasing the higher education participation rate and creating a knowledge-based society, GATE became identified as just another social program offered to the public without charge by the government. Provision of tuition-free higher education was thus merely the means by which the government attempted to secure votes from the population to maintain political power. With spending by the government towards the GATE program approaching TT$6 billion by the 2015 fiscal year, GATE not only provided higher education to the country’s citizens, but was also a substantial source of funds for both public and private higher education institutions. The findings of this study suggest that the true beneficiaries of the GATE program were the myriad private institutions offering programs of study funded by GATE. With lax oversight by the supervising agency, and little integrated policy direction being offered by the government, private institutions created an industry of low quality programs offered at higher costs when compared to programs being offered by public higher education institutions. The supply of these qualifications offered by the private sector coupled with their chase to increase enrollment and thus increase the revenue they derive from the government, has resulted in an increase of graduates whose qualifications on paper do not match the skills they have obtained in these programs

Complex Kinetics in the Reaction of Taurine with Aqueous Bromine and Acidic Bromate : A Possible Cytoprotective Role against Hypobromous Acid

The most abundant aminoacid in the human body, 2-aminoethanesulphonic acid (H2NCH2CH2SO3H), is surprisingly stable and reacts exceedingly slowly even with the most powerful oxidizing agents like acidic bromate. Oxidation occurs only on the nitrogen centre to give the corresponding N-derivatives. No activity is observed at the sulphonic acid group and no cleavage of the C-S bond is observed. The stoichiometry of the oxidation of 2-aminoethanesulphonic acid by bromate is complex, yielding a mixture of monobromo- and dibromotaurines, oximes as well as the corresponding dimeric azo-compounds. In the presence of added bromide, the stoichiometry of the reaction is : 2BrO3- + 3H2NCH2CH2SO3H + 6H+ + 4Br- -> 3Br2NCH2CH2SO3H + 6H2O. Monobromotaurine is formedas an intermediate product before formation of the dibromotaurine. Aqueous bromine reacts quantitatively with 2-aminomethanesulphonic acid according to the stoichiometry : H2NCH2CH2SO3H + 2Br2 -> Br2NCH2CH2SO3H + 2Br- + 2H+. This reaction is strongly inhibited by acid due to the deactivation of the amino group to electrophilic attack by protonation. The formation of N-bromotaurines is suggested as a possible mechanism by which taurine can moderate the oxidative toxicity of bromine and hypobromous acid in the slightly basic physiological environments. South African Journal of Chemistry Vol.55 2002: 136-14

Fatality after deliberate ingestion of sustained-release ibuprofen: a case report

INTRODUCTION: Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug available over the counter and on prescription for the management of pain and inflammation. Severe toxicity is rare following deliberate self-poisoning with ibuprofen, and patients are usually either asymptomatic or develop only mild gastrointestinal toxicity. Although there have been nine other reported fatalities, co-existent factors have probably contributed to all of these deaths. We report here a fatality from isolated toxicity following self-poisoning with sustained-release ibuprofen. CASE REPORT: A 26-year-old female presented after deliberate ingestion of up to 105 g sustained-release ibuprofen, with a reduced level of consciousness, severe metabolic acidosis and haemodynamic compromise. Despite intensive supportive management, gut decontamination with multidose activated charcoal and correction of the metabolic acidosis with sodium bicarbonate and haemofiltration, the patient did not survive. The ibuprofen concentration ante mortem on presentation in peripheral blood was 760 mg/l and the concentrations post mortem were 518 mg/l in peripheral blood, 74 mg/kg in liver extract and 116 mg/l in the gastric contents. DISCUSSION: Most patients with ibuprofen poisoning are either asymptomatic or have mild gastrointestinal symptoms; severe poisoning with ibuprofen is rare. We report the first death related to isolated sustained-release ibuprofen poisoning

Fatality after deliberate ingestion of the pesticide rotenone: a case report

Rotenone is a pesticide derived from the roots of plants from the Leguminosae family. Poisoning following deliberate ingestion of these plant roots has commonly been reported in Papua New Guinea. However, poisoning with commercially available rotenone in humans has been reported only once previously following accidental ingestion in a 3.5-year-old child. Therefore, the optimal management of rotenone poisoning is not known. After deliberate ingestion of up to 200 ml of a commercially available 0.8% rotenone solution, a 47-year-old female on regular metformin presented with a reduced level of consciousness, metabolic acidosis and respiratory compromise. Metformin was not detected in premortem blood samples obtained. Despite intensive supportive management, admission to an intensive care unit, and empirical use of N-acetylcysteine and antioxidant therapy, she did not survive. Poisoning with rotenone is uncommon but is potentially fatal because this agent inhibits the mitochondrial respiratory chain. In vitro cell studies have shown that rotenone-induced toxicity is reduced by the use of N-acetylcysteine, antioxidants and potassium channel openers. However, no animal studies have been reported that confirm these findings, and there are no previous reports of attempted use of these agents in patients with acute rotenone-induced toxicity

Indulgent representation: theatricality and sectarian metaphor in The Tempest

At the end of The Tempest, Prospero (or, perhaps, the actor playing him) urges the audience, ‘As you from crimes would pardoned be, / Let your indulgence set me free’ (5.1.337-8). The lines are a plea for applause, for the audience to conclude the drama happily. As the play-world dissolves into the real world, at the threshold between fiction and reality, Prospero appeals to be set free from representation. He strikes an ethical bargain in the mode of the Lord's Prayer (‘forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us’). But, in speaking of ‘pardon’ and ‘indulgence’, he also alludes to a much maligned Catholic practice of purchased remission of sins. Thus, the audience's decision over whether or not to applaud the drama is playfully implicated in trying out a confessional attitude. Even so, the status of these ‘Catholic’ terms as wordplay means that they only flirt with sectarian resonance, rather than declaring a theological message. Taking the play's self-conscious theatricality as a starting point, this essay explores the ambiguity of this epilogue. It questions what it means for a post-Reformation audience to ‘indulge’ in metaphorically ‘Catholic’ behaviour, and how a play that stages forgiveness as a form of revenge negotiates difference ethically. These themes are part of a broader theatrical dynamic in which representation is constantly destabilised. The essay offers a case-study of the significance of equivocally Catholic material in post-Reformation drama, suggesting that as much attention needs to be paid to dramaturgy as to theology

'Arminian is like a flying fish': region, religion and polemics in the Montague Controversy, 1623-1626

No abstract available