Humanitarian Contest 2010-2011 English part. It is a well-known fact that there were active negotiations between English Queen Elizabeth I and Russian.

Humanitarian Contest2010-2011English part

It is a well-known fact that there were active negotiations between English Queen Elizabeth I and Russian Tsar Ivan IV. But the countries had different problems at that period in their history and, so, pursued different aims. If you are aware of the political and cultural situations in both countries, you can say the difference in the interests between these monarchs.

Queen Elizabeth was interested in commercial ties between England and Russia and asked for privileges for the Muscovy Company established in 1555. Ivan the Terrible needed political and military support. That is why the correspondence was active but not always successful.

Russia at the Close of the Sixteenth Century Авторы: Giles Fletcher,Sir Jerome Horsey,Jerome Horsey (Sir)

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There was active correspondence between English Queen Elizabeth I and Russian Tsar Ivan IV. Apart from high interests for both countries, some historians suppose that there were matrimonial plans on behalf of the Russian Tsar. The proposal of marriage was sent secretly through the English ambassador Jenkinson. The queen refused. Could you think of possible reasons why?

There is historical proof that Ivan IV looked for an English wife of Royal blood for himself. British historian and writer Daryl W. Palmer in his book “Writing Russia in the age of Shakespeare” suggests that the style of Ivan’s letters “questions her capacity to rule” which was offensive to her. She even didn’t give her permission Ivan IV to marry her relative Mary Hastings.

Writing Russia in the age of Shakespeare Авторы: Daryl W. Palmer стр 67

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From medieval times, these schools were in churches and taught Latin (and later other classical languages). During the English Reformation in the 16th century, most cathedral schools were replaced by civil schools, but they had the same name. Children

studied there until the age of 14 and then the education could be continued in the universities. How are these schools called?

From medieval times, a grammar school was a school for the teaching of Latin (and later other classical languages). Although the term scolae grammaticales was not widely used until the 14th century, the earliest such schools appeared from the sixth century. With the foundation of the ancient universities from the late 12th

century, grammar schools became the entry point to a liberal arts education, with Latin seen as the foundation of the trivia. Pupils were usually educated in grammar schools up to the age of 14, after which they would

look to universities and the church for further study.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grammar_school_(United_Kingdom)The answer

Traditionally the creative work of Shakespeare is divided into three periods. The first (1590-1600) is marked by youthful optimism and the second (1601-1608) is the period of tragic attitude to life. How do historians explain the difference in mood of the great playwright?

His first period is marked by youthful optimism, his comedies are full of jokes, joyful remarks and humour. Even the historical dramas and chronicles of that period have a happy end. Historians explain it by Shakespeare’s confidence in the ideals of the renaissance. …

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Give the Russian equivalents to the titles of

Shakespeare’s plays:

1. Taming of the Shrew2. Midsummer Night’s Dream3. As you like it4. Much Ado about Nothing5. Measure for Measure6. All’s Well That Ends Well.

1. Taming of the Shrew – Укрощение строптивой

2. Midsummer Night’s Dream – Сон в летнюю ночь

3. As you like it – Как вам это нравится

4. Much Ado about Nothing – Много шума из ничего

5. Measure for Measure – Мера за меру

6. All’s Well That Ends Well – Все хорошо, что хорошо

кончается

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How many sonnets were written by Shakespeare? Whom are the sonnets addressed to? What is the common theme of the sonnets?

The answer

154 sonnets

Almost all tragedies and comedies by Shakespeare were staged at the Russian theatres. What plays were performed as operas or ballets? Who composed music?

The opera “Taming of the Shrew” by V. Shebalin

The ballet “Romeo and Juliet” by S. Prokofiev

The ballet “Othello” by A. Machavariani

The ballet “The Merry Wives of Windsor” by V. Oransky

The answer

They are the two oldest universities in Britain. Both were founded more than 800 years ago, and between them they have produced a large number of Britain's most prominent scientists, writers and politicians, as well as noted figures in many other fields. Although competition between them has a long history, they have a collective name . What is this name? What are the names of the univercities?

Oxbridge is a term which collectively refers to the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, which are seen as the most prestigious in the United Kingdom. The word is a portmanteau, combining Oxford and Cambridge, which can be used as a noun referring to the universities or as an adjective describing them or their students, and is often used with implications of perceived superior social status.

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This three-letter abbreviation is an Internet textual tradition. While the name may be recent, the format itself is the invention of the Renaissance time. For instance, Matthew Hopkins wrote “The Discovery of Witches” in 1647 in this format. He introduced it as "Certain Questions answered." Many old catechisms are in a question-and-answer format, such as “Summa Theologica”, written by Thomas Aquinas. What is this format called now?

FAQ –Frequently Asked Questions

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