Critical Analysis: Reformation of England

Critical Analysis: Reformation of England

The 16th century undoubtedly proved to be a tumultuous period in the history of England. The insecurity of religious belief and stability of its government were primary factors in the elusive identity of England until the very 1600's. There was an evident succession of contradictory rule. This pattern began with King Henry VIII and his fruitless marriage to Catherine of Argon. Frustrations sky rocketed as they failed to produce an heir; Henry's only resolution to this issue, that excluded the possibility of being accused of heresy, was to create an Anglican form of rule. He later succeeded to produce an heir known as Edward VI. Edward rebuilt the church and attempted to convert England into pure Protestantism. Following his reign until 1553, his sister Mary claimed the throne and began to counteract her brother's establishments as she once again affirmed the significance of Christianity in England. Five years later, Mary's sister Elizabeth came to rule as another supporter of the Protestant church. She eventually found success in her persevering efforts to restrict the Catholic church of its supremacy in the late 1500's. Although a lengthy, confusing, and contradictory anecdote of the past, this time period seems to share the characteristics of a modern day television drama.

Based on these rather irresolute assumptions of history, one might draw the conclusion that the concept of family had very little significance in the 16th century. Due to the lack of emotional explanation from available texts, it is nearly impossible to conceive the royal family's mindset as they betrayed each others' trust on various accounts. The pattern of heartless backstabbing is clear as one observes the royal family's psychotic efforts to vouch their personal beliefs. For example, after Edward IV spent six years of his life building a foundation for the Protestant church in England, Mary was quick to delve into the task of counteracting all of Edward's efforts. It is obvious that blood relation had no influence on Mary's decision to destroy everything that her brother lived for. Of course, this theme is perpetual with in the rule of this family; therefore, Mary's conquest could not have been a mere jealousy rampage. Is it possible that religion was considered more important than one's own direct family?

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