Elizabeth I and contemporary ideas of femininity

Question 1

How did Queen Elizabeth conduct her relationships?

Answer 1

In the style of a Petrarchan lover

Question 2

What is the style of a Petrarchan lover?

Answer 2

This is a stereotypical romantic love relationship, in which the woman is ab untouchable and perfect beauty.

Question 3

What did Queen Elizabeth say to troops facing the Spanish Armada in 1588?

Answer 3

‘I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart of a king’

Question 4

Why did Queen Elizabeth have to conduct her relationships like this?

Answer 4

Because of the deeply rooted misogyny she faced as a female figure of authority in a patriarchal system.

Question 5

She could not be a strong politically smart woman;…

Answer 5

she had to be a man in head and heart, but play up to her physical female role.

Question 6

How did she maintain her political sway?

Answer 6

she professed her masculinity as she could not rule in the style of a woman.

Question 7

What can be related to this context?

Answer 7

Laertes and Polonius’ stern warnings to end the relationship between Ophelia and Hamlet.

Question 8

What quotes can relate to this context?

Answer 8

-‘fear it, Ophelia, fear it my dear sister’
-‘A violet in the youth of primy nature’
-‘chaste treasure’
-‘tender yourself more dearly’
-‘give words or talk with the Lord Hamlet’
-‘Springs to catch woodcocks’

Question 9

What quotes suggest Laertes has double standards against Ophelia?

Answer 9

-‘Do not show me the steep way to heaven … whilst the primrose dalliance treads’