#TeamEnglish@CMS_Kottayam: The learner in me, hand in hand with the teacher in you!

  The Glorious Revolution-the Bill of Rights The Glorious Revolution and the Bill of Rights (1688–1689) The Glorious Revolution of 1688 was a pivotal moment in British history that resulted in the overthrow of James II and the establishment of William III and Mary II as joint monarchs. It was a largely bloodless revolution that ensured Protestant supremacy , limited the power of the monarchy, and laid the foundation for constitutional government through the Bill of Rights (1689) . 1. Causes of the Glorious Revolution Several factors contributed to the revolution, primarily rooted in religious tensions, fears of absolutism, and the desire for parliamentary sovereignty. 1.1. James II’s Pro-Catholic Policies James II (r. 1685–1688) was a devout Catholic in a staunchly Protestant nation. His policies alienated the Anglican establishment and the political elite: Ignoring the Test Act (1673): Appointed Catholics to government and military positions. Declarat...

  Religious strife- the Test Act and the Exclusion Bill— James II and the Jacobite Risings The Restoration of the monarchy in 1660 under Charles II did not bring an end to England’s long-standing religious divisions. While Charles sought to maintain a degree of religious tolerance, conflicts between Anglicans, Catholics, and Protestant dissenters intensified. Key moments in this religious strife included the passage of the Test Act (1673), the Exclusion Crisis (1679–1681), the reign of James II , and the subsequent Jacobite risings after the Glorious Revolution of 1688. 1. Religious Tensions Under Charles II After the Puritan rule under Oliver Cromwell (1649–1660), England saw a resurgence of Anglicanism as the state religion. However, deep divisions persisted: Anglicans (Church of England) sought to maintain their dominance. Catholics were distrusted and often suspected of plotting against Protestant rule. Dissenters (Nonconformists) , including Presb...

Patronage of Science in Restoration England: The Royal Society and the Rise of Empiricism The Restoration period in England (1660 onwards) witnessed a profound transformation in scientific inquiry and intellectual thought. Charles II’s patronage of science, the establishment of the Royal Society, and the emphasis on natural history, natural philosophy, and natural religion played a crucial role in shaping modern empirical science. This era marked a departure from medieval scholasticism and religious dogmatism, embracing experimentation, observation, and rational inquiry. 1. Patronage of Science and the Royal Society Charles II’s Role in Advancing Scientific Inquiry The return of Charles II to the throne in 1660 coincided with an increasing interest in scientific advancements. Unlike his father, Charles I, who was more focused on the arts, Charles II had a keen interest in scientific experimentation, technology, and natural philosophy. His court included scholars, physicians, and natu...

 The Restoration of Monarchy-Charles II –Pleasure and Libertinism in Court- ‘Decorum’ and the Growth of Theatres The Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, marked by the return of Charles II to the throne of England, signaled a radical shift in the social, political, and cultural landscape of the nation. This period followed the tumultuous years of the English Civil War, the execution of Charles I (1649), and the Puritan rule under Oliver Cromwell's Commonwealth and later the Protectorate (1653–1659). With the restoration of the monarchy came an era of indulgence, hedonism, and cultural revival, particularly in the court and the theatre. 1. The End of Puritan Rule and Restoration of Charles II The return of Charles II to the throne in May 1660, known as the "Restoration," was met with widespread relief and celebration. During the Interregnum (1649–1660), England had been ruled by the Puritans, who enforced strict moral codes, banned many forms of entertainment (including ...

  The Fringe Benefits of Failure and the Importance of Imagination J K Rowling "The Fringe Benefits of Failure and the Importance of Imagination" is J K Rowling’s deeply affecting, celebrated 2008 Harvard commencement speech, published in book form. In her speech, J.K. Rowling asks the profound and provocative questions: How can we embrace failure? And how can we use our imagination to better both ourselves and others? Drawing from stories of her own post-graduate years, she addresses some of life’s most important issues with acuity and emotional force. J K Rowling is well known as the author of “Harry Potter”. In 2008, she gave a powerful commencement address at Harvard University. In her speech, titled "The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination," she shared her own experiences of failure and how they led her to success. She also emphasized the importance of imagination in overcoming challenges and creating a better future. Rowling begins ...

Chronicle of a Death Foretold Gabriel García Márquez  Latin American (Columbian) novelist, short-story writer, screenwriter and journalist, who writes in Spanish language. Some of his best known works: One Hundred Years of Solitude , The Autumn of the Patriarch ,   Love in the Time of Cholera Title Chronicle of a Death Foretold Novella, originally written in Spanish, in 1981. English Translation      Gregory Rabassa and Edith Grossman The story in a nut-shell The story surrounds the events related to the murder of Santiago Nasar. Santiago is, a young man who is alleged to have taken the virginity of Angela Vicario. On her wedding night, after discovering that she was not a virgin, Angela's husband, Bayardo San Roman, returns her to her house. Angela's twin brothers, Pedro Vicario and Pablo Vicario, ask her who took her virginity, and she tells them that Santiago Nasar did. The brothers find Santiago and kill him. Characters In or...