Paper Assignment: Historical Perspectives on the Social Order I

Write an essay of exceptional brilliance on the question below. For this paper you are required to make use of both Greenblatt and Parks and at least two other sources (NOT WIKI!).

Greenblatt has given us an account of how, with the triumph of Christianity in late antiquity, there was an historic transformation by which "the pursuit of pain triumphed over the pursuit of pleasure." (p. 103) While virtually all moderns scholars concede that there was continuity (how much is debated) from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, the Renaissance in Italy seems to be a time and a place in which, as Parks has talked about, there was a recognition that "you could have your cake and eat it too. Or have your wife drunk and the wine keg full, as the Italians say." (p. 122)

In what ways and to what extent did this recognition begin a turn away from the "triumph of pain"? (Make sure you understand what the two authors mean in the passages I have quoted above. Both of them need to be interpreted rather broadly, which you should realize if you've been coming to, and engaging in, class.)

I have set this assignment up on Moodle to allow submission of early drafts (i.e. up to the due date) for those who wish to do so. Moodle will NOT accept late submissions. Leave hard copies in the box outside my office not later than the due date above.

Requirements:

1) 10-12 pages (2500-3000 words) typed, 12 point Times New Roman font, double spaced.

2) Sources must be properly cited.

3) For your citations use MLA or Chicago style.

4) Submit one hard copy to me and one copy electronically through Moodle. I will not grade your paper until I see the e-copy has been uploaded.

5) Honor pledge is mandatory.