The Life of Elizabeth I Themes

Alison Weir (historian)
This Study Guide consists of approximately 30 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of The Life of Elizabeth I.

The Life of Elizabeth I Themes

Alison Weir (historian)
This Study Guide consists of approximately 30 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of The Life of Elizabeth I.
This section contains 703 words
(approx. 2 pages at 400 words per page)
Buy The Life of Elizabeth I Study Guide

Virginity vs. Marriage

Elizabeth's decision to remain a virgin protected her in many ways. Firstly, by avoiding marriage, she was able to be her own master and answer only to God. After England became Protestant, her virginity made her an almost holy figure, and the image of the Virgin Queen took the place of the Virgin Mary in the minds of the people of England. By remaining a virgin and not marrying, Elizabeth was married to England and considered all her subjects her children. Her single status meant she and England would never be subject to an unjust, foreign King like they had been in Mary's reign. While marriage was sanctified in the eyes of God, Elizabeth's virginity made her holy in her own right. Her virginity made Elizabeth invincible; she was subject to no one; therefore, England would be subject to no one. It made her pure and...

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This section contains 703 words
(approx. 2 pages at 400 words per page)
Buy The Life of Elizabeth I Study Guide
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