Queen Elizabeth I Discussion
1. How did Anne Boleyn’s life and death affect Elizabeth’s position and title?
2. Why did her half sister Mary put Elizabeth in the Tower and imprison her at Woodstock
House? What threat did Elizabeth have for her sister?
WRITTEN WITH A DIAMOND ON
HER WINDOW AT WOODSTOCK.
Much suspected by me,
Nothing proved can be,
Quoth ELIZABETH prisoner.
3. In 1559, Elizabeth I changed the official religion of England from Catholicism to
Protestantism. What was the political significance of this religion change?
4. Elizabeth I said, “I have no desire to make windows into mens souls.” What did she mean?
5. The doubt of future foes exiles my present joy,
And wit me warns to shun such snares as threaten mine annoy;
For falsehood now doth flow, and subjects' faith doth ebb,
Which should not be if reason ruled or wisdom weaved the web.
But clouds of joys untried do cloak aspiring minds,
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Which turn to rain of late repent by changèd course of winds.
The top of hope supposed the root upreared shall be,
And fruitless all their grafted guile, as shortly ye shall see.
The dazzled eyes with pride, which great ambition blinds,
Shall be unsealed by worthy wights whose foresight falsehood finds.10
The daughter of debate that discord aye doth sow
Shall reap no gain where former rule still peace hath taught to know.
No foreign banished wight shall anchor in this port;
Our realm brooks not seditious sects, let them elsewhere resort.
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My rusty sword through rest shall first his edge employ
To poll their tops that seek such change or gape for future joy.
What potential problems in her reign does Elizabeth mention in her poem? Why do you think
she wrote the poem? What personal or political purpose did it serve?
6. Queen Elizabeth is reported to have said to the Ambassador of the Duke of Wurtemberg, 1564
, “I would rather be a beggar and single than a queen and married.” Why shouldn’t a queen
marry?
Response to Parliamentary Delegation on Her Marriage, 1566
'Was I not born in the realm? Were my parents born in any foreign country? Is not my
kingdom here? Whom have I oppressed? Whom have I enriched to other's harm? What turmoil
have I made in this commonwealth that I should be suspected to have no regard to the same?
How have I governed since my reign? I will be tried by envy itself. I need not to use many
words, for my deeds do try me.
'Well, the matter whereof they would have made their petition (as I am informed)
consisteth in two points: in my marriage, and in the limitations of the succession of the crown,
wherein my marriage was first placed, as for manners' sake. I did send them answer by my
council, I would marry (although of mine own disposition I was not inclined thereunto) but that
was not accepted nor credited, although spoken by their Prince.
'I will never break the word of a prince spoken in a public place, for my honour's sake.
And therefore I say again, I will marry as soon as I can conveniently, if God take not him away
with whom I mind to marry, or myself, or else some other great let happen. I can say no more
except the party were present. And I hope to have children, otherwise I would never marry…
7. How did Queen Elizabeth use her “marriage” plans as political ploys for power?
8. A letter from Queen Elizabeth to Mary Queen of Scots: October I586
You have in various ways and manners attempted to take my life and to bring my kingdom to
destruction by bloodshed. I have never proceeded so harshly against you, but have, on the
contrary, protected and maintained you like myself. These treasons will be proved to you and all
made manifest. Yet it is my will, that you answer the nobles and peers of the kingdom as if I
were myself present. I therefore require, charge, and command that you make answer for I have
been well informed of your arrogance.
Act plainly without reserve, and you will sooner be able to obtain favour of me.
ELIZABETH.
Do you think Mary Queen of Scots deserved to be beheaded for her roles in plots against
Elizabeth I?
9. Elizabeth’s Speech to the Troops at Tilbury, 1588
My loving people, we have been persuaded by some that are careful of our safety, to take heed
how we commit our selves to armed multitudes, for fear of treachery; but I assure you I do not
desire to live to distrust my faithful and loving people. Let tyrants fear, I have always so behaved
myself that, under God, I
have placed my chiefest strength and safeguard in the loyal hearts and good-will of my subjects;
and therefore I am come amongst you, as you see, at this time, not for my recreation and disport,
but being resolved, in the midst and heat of the battle, to live and die amongst you all; to lay
down for my God, and for my kingdom, and my people, my honour and my blood, even in the
dust. I know I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach
of a king, and of a king of England too, and think foul scorn that Parma or Spain, or any prince
of Europe, should dare to invade the borders of my realm; to which rather than any dishonour
shall grow by me, I myself will take up arms, I myself will be your general, judge, and rewarder
of every one of your virtues in the field. I know already, for your forwardness you have deserved
rewards and crowns; and We do assure you in the word of a prince, they shall be duly paid you.
In the mean time, my lieutenant general shall be in my stead, than whom never prince
commanded a more noble or worthy subject; not doubting but
by your obedience to my general, by your concord in the camp, and your valour in the field, we
shall shortly have a famous victory over those enemies of my God, of my kingdom, and of my
people.
How does Queen Elizabeth represent herself as a woman, a queen, and a king? How does she
describe her people?
What do you think is the purpose of this speech? Is Queen Elizabeth successful in that purpose?
Why wouldn’t Elizabeth I declare a successor?
11. What disappointments did Elizabeth I face at the end of her reign?
12. Why is Elizabeth I’s reign sometimes called “the Golden Age”?
Preparing for the Discussion
Come with the book and your thoughts, feelings, and/or opinions about the Queen Elizabeth I.
Optional:
Prepare some questions or mark quotes for the discussion:
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