Though the plot is quite straightforward the play Elizabeth the Queen written by Maxwell Anderson is very interesting. In this play, Queen Elizabeth portrays a sarcastically intelligent woman in desperate need of one honest voice she can trust and depend upon in a sea of political plots and assorted self-interests. Her determination to rule her people wisely avoiding senseless wars is constantly assailed by her great doubts to continue to command respect and love of her people as she ages and must seek impartial counsel amongst a court of self-seeking, two-faced advisors. Lady Penelope Gray is an essential character whose envy of the queen and discounting by Essex drives her to attempt to destroy their relationship but finally realizes where her loyalties lie.

The highlight of the play is the intimate exchanges between Essex and Elizabeth that bring out the very best and the very worst in each...