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February 20, 2006
Remember remember the fifth of November
The internet can be an amazing resource, with the ability to take an entertaining diversion and turn it into hours of educational reading via the wonders of the mouseclick on a hyperlink, as well as the Google search.
The coincidences and connections aren't limited to impromptu research sessions, either, but more on that later.
I was checking out the latest movie trailers, viewing two for the upcoming flick from the Wachowski brothers, V for Vendetta, a thriller set in an alternate future where the Nazis conquered Britain. The Wachowskis, who also made the Matrix trilogy, can put some slick and stunning images onscreen, and their depiction of a fascist United Kingdom is, at least for the duration of a coming attraction, oddly compelling.
The protagonist is an anarchist/freedom fighter who wreaks havoc on the repressive regime while disguised behind a mask and wig. The first advertising slogan I came across for the film said, "Remember remember the Fifth of November."
The Yahoo webpage for the film spoke of the release date having been pushed back from the Fifth of November, making the catchphrase moot.
Actually, no. The phrase triggered a memory of a plot to destroy Parliament, and a rhyme commemorating the plot's failure.
Remember Remember the fifth of November
The gunpowder treason and plot
I see no reason why gunpowder treason
should ever be forgotGuy Fawkes Guy, 'twas his intent
to blow up king and parliamentThree score barrels were laid below
to prove old England's overthrowBy God's mercy he was catched
with a dark lantern and lighted matchHoller boys Holler boys let the bells ring
Holler boys Holler boys God save the King
The name was familiar, and I vaguely recalled the broad outlines of the plot, so I googled Guy Fawkes and started reading, beginning with the Britannia web site's bio of the would-be bomber.
I then turned to the entry in Wikipedia, which, for all the potential pitfalls of a reader-created encyclopaedia, was very informative. Besides, there were tons of links for me to fact check with other sources.
In no short order, I was reacquainting myself with the English Civil War, the regicide of Charles I, the reign of Oliver Cromwell, the Restoration of the Monarchy and the origins of it all, beginning with the plot against the murdered king's father, James I, which ended with the grisly demise of Mr. Fawkes (he was hanged, drawn and quartered).
It turns out that the mask in the movie is modeled after Guy Fawkes, which also explains the wig and cape. It will all resonate with British audiences, given that it was illegal until 1959 to not celebrate the capture of Fawkes and the failure of the Gunpowder Plot, but I wonder if American audiences will get it, absent a history lesson.
Anyhow, click click click, I found myself reading about Samuel Pepys, who is remembered more than 300 years after his death for the meticulous diary he kept for ten years during the 1690s. Pepys detailed his affairs in the service of the King, as well as his affairs in the pursuit of a little slap and tickle, Mrs. Pepys notwithstanding.
Pepys witnessed a tremendous amount of history, including the Great Fire of London, the Plague ravaging England, the beheading of King James and the execution (hanging, drawing and quartering, again! ) of one of the men responsible for the regicide, after the late king's son won back the throne and exacted a cruel revenge.
So, I click over to Gerard Van der Leun's web site this morning, to find that he's been reading . . . wait for it . . . Pepys' diary, linking to the same site I'd been studying the day before.
I know, it's not the most earth shattering coincidence, but really, what are the odds.
So, at the end of the day, I've learned about English history, politics, intrigues, methods of torture and execution, as well as how kidney stones were removed in the 17th Century (don't ask).
And of course, that Van der Leun and I are apparently treading the same cyber path.
Posted by Mike Lief at February 20, 2006 10:45 PM
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Comments
We are indeed. I used Pepys as a daily antidote for the whirl of bad news. It helps to keep things in perspective.
Posted by: Van der Leun at February 21, 2006 05:21 PM