Writing Samples
I have selected various papers and essays produced for my history courses at the University of Central Florida to showcase on this page.
Elizabethan Religious Settlement: Catholic Resistance
Following the mass execution of Protestant believers under Mary Tudor’s reign, England was left shaken and prayed for Elizabeth’s mercy. Fortunately, like her parents and brother Edward VI, she remained Protestant. Even though Elizabeth did not want a bad relationship with the Catholics, the entirety of her reign witnessed both sides aggravate each other to the point of fatal punishment.
Bees in Medieval Ireland
What are your first thoughts when you hear the word ‘beekeeping’? Maybe honey or hobby comes to mind, but how about law? This research explores the presence of beekeeping in medieval Ireland through primary sources such as the early law tract Bechbretha.
Analytical Essay: Mary's Letter
In the sixteenth century, much of the known world lived under the papacy's influence; however, England turned around once King Henry VIII wanted to annul his marriage, effectively attempting to convert his country to Protestantism. After his first-born, Catholic daughter Mary was declared illegitimate from these events, where she would commit her loyalties, between the king or the Church? I take a closer look at a letter Mary wrote to her father after becoming Supreme Head of the English Church.
Historiographical Review
A review of Cherie Peters' article, “'He is not entitled to butter': The Diet of Peasants and Commoners in Early Medieval Ireland.”
Analytical Essay: AI Counterargument
Many students are becoming increasingly dependent on AI to complete their assignments, but are the results actually better than the skill of critical analysis? Queen Elizabeth I is one of the most complex queens in history, riddled with nuance, so it begs the question: Was she a bad queen? Plugging the question into an AI generator, I explore the strengths and weaknesses in its answers.
Essay Critique 1
A review of Barbara Harris’ "Women and Politics in Early Tudor England."
Essay Critique 2
A review of Grace Beattie’s "Divorced, Beheaded… Survived: What the Six Wives of Henry VIII Can Tell Us about Ourselves."
Book Review
A book review of Patricia Seed’s Ceremonies of Possessions in Europe’s Conquest of the New World 1492-1640.
Book Review
A book review of Mary Norton’s Sacred Gifts, Profane Pleasures, A History of Tobacco and Chocolate in the Atlantic World.
John Brown Essay
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