Mongol Rulers vs. European Rulers

In our research of the Mongols and Europe, we have met many different rulers that use and view their respective powers in different ways. My question is, how do you think the ideals and ways Mongol rulers use their power differ or resemble those shown by European rulers? Also, how do these ideals relate to Machiavelli?.

Genghis vs. Khubilai

Why do modern day Mongols worship Genghis, and not Khubilai? Khubilai seems to be the one who globalized and was tolerant of the Chinese, whereas Genghis just wanted to conquer and kill.

Holinshed's Chronicles have all the characters that Shakespeare's Macbeth has. A key difference is the nature of the main character, Macbeth. In Holinshed's work, Mackbeth is one who enforces justice and fights for good, while Shakespeare's Macbeth is a power-hungry, blood-thirsty, terminator-esque mofo. How do you think that the nature of the main character changed the plot of the story? Are there other elements that made the two stories so different?

Religion in Macbeth

Does Macbeth appear to belong to any religion or have any belief in God (esp. one of the branches of Christianity)? Or does he distance himself from a belief in God? What textual evidence supports your opinion?

Bonus question: what about Lady Macbeth?
Bonus bonus: Banquo?

Machiavelli in Macbeth?

Macbeth and Lady Macbeth see that the murder of Duncan is the next step needed to be taken for the 

throne. Macbeth says, "Each corporal agent to this terrible eat. Away, and mock the time with fairest show. False face must hide what the false heart doth know" This quote exhibits an extremely Machiavellian ideal that one must be, externally, the advocate of all that is good and truth but, internally, the greatest enemy of both. As Shakespeare shows Macbeth to have a Machiavellian human nature, what does this tell about Macbeth's nature?

Fate in Macbeth, Act One

The role of fate in Macbeth is one that changes the course of Macbeth's actions. In Scene Four of Act One, Macbeth believes he may only become king if he kills Duncan. Do you think Macbeth is fated to kill Duncan? Or, do you believe Macbeth is using fate as a scapegoat for his actions?

Machiavelli on the Dutch Revolt

In Machiavelli's The Prince, he talks about how to conquer and control a city if they used to live under their own laws before the conquer. Machiavelli writes, " And no matter what one does or foresees, if the inhabitants are not separated or scattered, they will forget that name and those institutions, and they will have recourse to them instantly at every opportunity" (22). What would Machiavelli think about the Duke of Alva only killing 1/9 of the accused heretics? What would Machiavelli have done different if he were in charge? According to Machiavelli, if the Duke of Alva had killed more people at the "Council of Blood", would this have stopped/prevented the revolt?

Favorite Topic

Hey guys! We are pretty much at mid trimester and I was wondering what was everyone's favorite thing we've talked about so far? Why is it your favorite thing and what does it connect to?

William the Orange vs. Machiavelli

What parallels do you see between William the Orange's proclamation and Machiavelli's The Prince?

Luther on Modern Art

What do you think Luther would say about the Christian art of the 21st century?

Iconoclasm

In the readings for Wednesday iconoclasm is discussed. Was this a new idea proposed by Luther or have we seen examples of this before (hint hint the Bible)? What do you think made people follow this idea with such fervor? It also says that Luther changed his opinion from "indifference to pictures, to positive approval of them." What do you think caused Luther's shift of opinion?

Humanism vs. The Theses

Looking at Lucretius' humanist view in his book, On the Nature of Things (discussed in The Swerve), and Luther's 95 Theses, both seem like a challenging way of living. Do you think it would be easier to live like Lucretius and "conquer [your] fears, accept the fact that [you] and all the things [you] encounter are transitory, and embrace the beauty and pleasure of the world" (6). Or would it be simpler to live by the way of the 95 Theses and live perfectly in the eyes of your faith and god?

Pico vs. Luther

Pico  says that man is able to be whatever they want, he says that man can be an angel, or they could be animals, and it is each mans decision to choose which he wants to be more like, Martin Luther on the other hand, believes that man does not have the freedom of Choice, god decision who to give faith to. he has pre-planed mans life, and you can not go against his plan. Which do you believe based of of the texted you have read?  

Savonarola & Luther

What would Savonarola think of Luther's opinions and teachings? What would he think of his 95 theses?