The Curse of the Royal Harem is a historical drama that centers around the lives of the members of the Ottoman imperial harem in the 16th century. The harem, which refers to the separate quarters where the wives, concubines, and female family members of the Sultan resided, played a significant role in the Ottoman Empire. The drama revolves around the power struggles, manipulation, and court intrigues that took place within the harem. It explores the lives of the women who were brought into the harem as slaves and their rise to power. These women had to navigate a complex hierarchy, where their status was determined by the Sultan's favor and their ability to intrigue and manipulate others. The curse in the title refers to the tragic fate that often awaited the women of the harem.
The curse in the title refers to the tragic fate that often awaited the women of the harem. Despite their attempts to gain power and secure their positions, many of them ended up being betrayed, banished, or executed. The drama showcases the vulnerability and precariousness of their positions as they were constantly at the mercy of the Sultan's whims and the intrigues of other women in the harem.
Cases of Male Witchcraft in Old and New England, 1592-1692
This exciting new study examines cases of male witchcraft from the English Atlantic world in order to explore the kinds of masculine behaviour exhibited by men accused of witchcraft, the way this behaviour shaped accusations of witchcraft against them, and the responses such men evoked in the communities who accused them.
- Religious history (c. 1501-1800)
- Heresies, persecutions of heterodoxy & sects
- British Isles (c. 1501-1800)
- North America
"This study reminds us that male witches were, nonetheless, a real and frightening possibility for early modern people. Kent’s work sheds light on this important minority of suspects, and will prove extremely stimulating and valuable to future scholars in this field." (Darren Oldridge, in: Renaissance Quarterly , Vol. 67, No. 3 (Fall 2014), pp. 1056-1057)
SummaryThis study explores cases in which men were accused of witchcraft in England and the British colonies of New England between 1592 and 1692. Using a series of case studies that begin in Elizabethan Norfolk and end with the Salem trials in Massachusetts, this book examines six individual male witches and argues they are best understood as masculine witches, not feminized men. Each case considers the social circumstances of the male witch as a gendered context for the accusations of witchcraft against him.
Instead of seeking to identify a single causal condition or overarching gendered circumstance whereby men were accused of witchcraft, this study examines the way that masculinity shaped the accusations of witchcraft made against each man. In each case, a range of masculine social and cultural roles became implicated in accusations of witchcraft, making it possible to explore how beliefs in witches interacted with early modern English gender cultures to support the religious, legal, and cultural logic of the male witch. The result is an approach to early modern English witchcraft prosecution that includes, rather than problematizes, the male witch.
TABLE OF CONTENTSChapter 1. Nicholas Stockdale, Norfolk, 1593–1619
Chapter 2. Edwin Haddesley, Essex, 1597–1607
Chapter 3. John Lowes, Suffolk, 1600–45
Chapter 4. Hugh Parsons, Springfield, Massachusetts, 1648–52
Chapter 5. John Godfrey, Massachusetts, 1640–75
Chapter 6. George Burroughs, Salem Village, Massachusetts, 1692
Chapter 6. George Burroughs, Salem Village, Massachusetts, 1692
Additionally, the drama sheds light on the psychological impact of living in the harem. The women were isolated from the outside world, cut off from their families, and constantly under surveillance. This environment often led to intense rivalries and rivalries among the women, as they competed for the Sultan's attention and favor. Overall, The Curse of the Royal Harem offers a glimpse into the hidden and secretive world of the Ottoman imperial harem. It explores themes of power, betrayal, and the human cost of living within this complex system. The drama serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by women in historical societies and the impact of power dynamics on their lives..
Reviews for "A Tragic Legacy: The Curse of the Royal Harem"
- Jessica - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Curse of Royal Harem". The storyline felt dragged out and repetitive, and the characters lacked depth. The drama seemed to rely too heavily on typical tropes and clichés, resulting in a rather dull viewing experience. The costume designs and set decorations were beautiful, but unfortunately, they couldn't compensate for the weak plot and undeveloped characters.
- Alex - 1 star - I couldn't even finish watching "Curse of Royal Harem". The acting was over-the-top and often cringeworthy, making it hard to take the story seriously. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the excessive focus on romantic subplots took away from the more intriguing aspects of the plot. Overall, I found this series to be a waste of time.
- Sarah - 2 stars - While the historical setting and costumes were visually appealing in "Curse of Royal Harem", I found the story to be lacking substance. The conflicts and resolutions felt predictable and formulaic, offering nothing new or exciting. Additionally, the character development was weak, making it difficult to empathize or connect with any of the cast members. I had high hopes for this series, but it ultimately fell flat.
- John - 1 star - "Curse of Royal Harem" was a disappointment from start to finish. The plot was convoluted and confusing, with too many unnecessary subplots that added nothing to the overall narrative. The dialogue often felt forced and unnatural, and the performances left much to be desired. I struggled to stay engaged and ended up abandoning the series midway through. I would not recommend this drama to anyone looking for a compelling historical story.