I knew very little about the Lady Jane Grey before picking this book up. The title of the book caught my attention and I wanted to learn more. I am sure I had read short snippets about her life in the various histories of England that I have read, but I could not have told you her story.
The story of Lady Jane Grey reminds me of the famous quote by Danton “Oh, it were better to be a poor fisherman than to meddle with the government of men.”
Tallis notes from the start that she considers Lady Jane to be an official Queen of England whose reign lasted 13 days 9 of which were publicly known.
Tallis presents the story of Lady Jane as the pious young woman who was surrounded by others who wanted to use her place in the line of succession as a means to power. She was manipulated and pushed into a path she would not have taken on her own, which ultimately led to the crown at the age of 17 and her execution.
Tallis does a great job in portraying the religious nature of Jane especially at the end of her life when given the opportunity to convert to Catholicism. She did not show empathy for those around her who converted in an attempt to save their lives. She saw it as a badge of honor to remain devoted to her beliefs.
I enjoyed reading this book and learned more about the time period it examined and the sad fate of Lady Jane Grey. It does make me want to read other books addressing the life of Jane Grey. In this book it was presented as if Jane had no opinion but to become Queen against her will. I would like to see if other historians present it in the same manner.
Overall a good book that I rate 4 out of 5 stars.
Great literature should do more than entertain us. It should provide a roadmap to improving our lives.
In A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens introduced readers to Sydney Carton, one of literature's most compelling and deeply flawed characters. Dickens also gives him an unusual title: the Jackal.
His struggles raise questions that remain relevant today.
Are we defined by our past mistakes? Can we overcome our weaknesses? What separates the people we are from the people we could become?
Lessons From the Jackal is a 25-day character study exploring these questions through Sydney Carton’s life, decisions, relationships, and personal development.
This is not a traditional course on A Tale of Two Cities. Our reading assignments will focus specifically on Carton, with sufficient background provided to understand his story. No previous knowledge of the novel is necessary.
Each day will feature selected readings, historical comparisons, reflection questions, discussions, and practical challenges ...
A Tale of Two Cities
Book II
Chapter 3: A Disappointment
Contextual Background:
Our story begins today in a London courtroom in 1780. Britain is engaged in the American Revolutionary War, and France has allied itself with the American colonies against the British.
A young Frenchman named Charles Darnay stands accused of treason.
Prosecutors allege that Darnay has been passing information about British military operations to France and America's revolutionary forces.
The consequences could be deadly. Under British law, men convicted of high treason could face execution by hanging, drawing, and quartering.
Many spectators have gathered to witness the proceedings, some eagerly anticipate a conviction.
At this time London is a city of tremendous wealth, crushing poverty, and political uncertainty. Across the English Channel, France is moving toward a revolution that will transform Europe.
Charles Darnay’s defense involves two lawyers: the accomplished Mr. Stryver and a seemingly unremarkable man named ...
•Is potential measured by intelligence, talent, ambition, work ethic, or something else?
•Who has greater potential, a person with extraordinary abilities who has accomplished very little or a person with limited natural ability who consistently works to improve and has accomplished many goals?
•Does potential measure what you have accomplished or what you are capable of accomplishing in the future?
•What types of potential exist?
