Motherhood

The author uses Lady Margaret and Elizabeth's mother to show the reader two types of mothers and how they affect their children. Lady Margaret spoils her child and demands attention from him daily. Elizabeth’s mother protects her children from her own ambitions.

First, Lady Margaret is an example of an overprotective mother whose influence affects her child in negative ways. She coddles Henry immensely from birth, training him to become the King of England. Elizabeth blames his paranoia and failed reign on Lady Margaret’s parenting. “You could not make a beloved king, for your boy was not a beloved child,” Elizabeth says “You have tried for him, but you have failed him. He was never loved as a child, and he has grown into a man who cannot inspire love nor give love. You have spoiled him utterly” (440). Lady Margaret refutes Elizabeth, but the...