Elizabeth: The Humble

"Elizabeth came out of the dark Abbey into a blaze of light and heard the roar of the crowd welcome her. She walked through the people so that they could all see her -- this was a queen who would pander to anyone, their love for her was a balm for the years of neglect."

A recurring theme that presented itself to me was the depiction of Elizabeth I as a humble, insecure, and easily manipulated young Queen. This was apparent in the quote above, as well as within several other scenes throughout the excerpts of Gregory's novel. This quote in particular stuck out to me, because of Gregory's insistence that Queen Elizabeth would pander to anyone. Gregory illustrates Elizabeth as the epitome of a weak ruler who lacks confidence and is extremely vulnerable to an insurrection. 

In my opinion this an unfair assessment of Queen Elizabeth's reign as ruler of England. Elizabeth exemplified great strength in the face of crisis on multiple instances as Queen of England, and prevailed every time. Whether that be facing a new council that was constitutionally unfaithful, defeating the Spanish Armada in 1588, or never succumbing to the cowardice cries of her many suitors. 

Exposure

I chose this gif of roses dying because I believe it represents Elizabeth's life as a whole.  She starts off as a beautiful teen who can be described as pure and youthful. Due to exposure to the position of power she is placed in and all the duties that came along with it, she slowly "wilts" and becomes aged and worn out until it eventually kills her. 

Mass Inversion

Queen Elizabeth I, as portrayed by Miranda Richardson

          Elizabeth watched in shock as the Bishop of Carlise elevated the Host. How dare he, after giving his word to abide by her wishes! Rallying her patience, she spoke. "Bishop! Lower the pyx." Not a shout, but loud enough to be heard above the choir, and pitched as a command. The old fool ignored her! Trembling with wrath, Elizabeth rose from her seat within the royal pew, slamming the delicate fretwork door back on its hinges (she made a mental not to have it checked later, in case it had been damaged). She called out again, forcing the rage from her voice. "Bishop! I said Bishop! Lower that pyx." The old man turned his head slightly, noted her presence.
    Drawing herself up to her full height, no longer able to stop herself ire tinging her speech, the queen declared "This is my own chapel. You are serving as my chaplain. I am the queen. You will do as I order. Lower that pyx.".. and his head turned back to the mass. No longer able to contain her fury, she turned and strode from the chapel.

Ruling alone... how wonderful....

Keeping the conversation of never marrying going with Amy's husband on page 29, Autumn 1558.

The Princess blinked in surprise. "indeed? Everyone else think I should Marry at once."
"Why ever Marry when you can be the absolute ruler? No man could ever rule as you shall. The only thing a man would do is strip your power from you."
"You're Right. Need a man I not"
Elizabeth keeps confident on the outside but inside her mind races. Thoughts of Sir Dudley creep into her mind and she is saddened by the thought of living her life without him or anyone for that matter.

As Elizabeth grows older in the movies she is depicted as becoming more stern and becomes more pale. Is this because of her growing commitment to being Queen, or is she becoming a cold person who is alone.

Correlation not causation- Question

A good lie requires a backstory. In order to thoroughly convince someone of the legitimacy of a lie, one must point out side details that back their argument, out or pure coincidence. There is no clear historical evidence that Elizabeth I ever had an affair with Robert Dudley, however The Virgin's Lover suggests other wise. Philippa Gregory can be blatant about it at times, and other times refrains to small hints that could be dismissed as coincidence.

What details does Phillipa Gregory use, to convince us that Elizabeth and Robert are having an affair, without being blatantly obvious about it?

Queen of non-decision making

"It was like a game of chess; he saw her turn her head and puzzle how she could outwit him (195)."

"But I will always be Queen,"she said. "You will always be my courtier (196)."

‘Queen’ Elizabeth? Hardly

“Robert, I don’t know how to do this.” she said, in a small voice. “I can’t even remember how to get to the King’s rooms from the great hall. If someone doesn’t walk before me I’ll get lost. I don’t know how to get to the gardens from the picture gallery, or from the stable to my rooms. I... I’m lost here.” (Gregory, Pg. 35)

This quote was the moment I realized there was something very wrong with this novels depiction of Elizabeth. The way she delivers this line- ‘in a small voice’- paints her as helpless and frightened, which is the complete opposite of Queen Elizabeth. We see her here, nervous and quivering and relying on a man to guide her. Granted, it’s in a fairly mundane situation, and it’s entirely possible that the real Elizabeth could plausibly have gotten lost; but I refuse to believe she would openly act so helpless. This is where I realized Elizabeth in this book was going to be nothing but a typical helpless damsel, and it only gets worse from here...

Elizabeth, Nice For What?

While reading Queen Elizabeth's letter to the King of Scotland I could not help, but be reminded of this song. When she said she had his best holds in her hands, and conserved them and rendered them to him she had to be nice, for what?

Sit down...Be humble

Does Queen Elizabeth present heself as humble in her letters to appear inefior or superior?

Does she care to make herself look humble in front of other people to get their respect or does she just want it to seem like she's humble because she knows she's above others.

A Fan-fiction based on Elizabeth's letters

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Devereux,_2nd_Earl_of_Essex

PS. - It has been a long time since we have last had time to enjoy each others company in my bedchamber. Please hurry back to your motherland safely and victoriously. It is so disheartening to be surrounded by graybeards and fanny peckers. They are the scum on a Catholic's shoe. I long for your favorable discourse and comforting words. As a loyal subject I value your opinion and as a loyal friend you are by no means less than my most trusted of advisers. It ales me to keep secrets but they call me the "Virgin Queen." I must keep up appearances or risk losing any respect I have garnered from the men who look down on my femininity. I hope you can understand that I do not deny you publicly out of malice but for the people of this country. I have had many suitors and I still wear the frog brooch I got from one of them. I am wearing it now as I write this. But I fear I have gone on far too long with my terrible scribbles. I hope that God blesses your return with victory and comfort.

Your dearest,
Elizabeth R.