Elizabeth I and the Politics of the Elizabethan Era
Elizabeth I: who was she?
-She was the queen of England, from 17 November 1558 until 24 March 1603(her death date). Her father was Henry VIII. She was 25 when she became the queen.
What were England’s international relations like during Elizabeth’s reign?
-England during Elizabeth’s reign were not on good terms with the Spanish, and waged war against each other. However, England was in good terms with the Dutch, and both fought against the Spanish during the war.
What was Shakespeare’s relationship with Elizabeth I?
-Shakespeare was an English poet and playwright. All these belonged to the Arts, and Elizabeth I had supported the Arts very much when she was in reign. It was said that she even wrote some poetry herself. Also, the queen was very fond of Shakespeare’s works. She even asked for people to perform his plays to her. It happened 32 times in total. Also, it seems that Elizabeth pretty much controls what happens in Shakespeare’s works, which make her like Shakespeare’s superior.
² Compare Elizabeth I to Portia. How is Portia’s character a tribute to Elizabeth I?
-Elizabeth I was a very strong woman, who would not collapse upon any minor mistakes or setbacks. Also, she was smart, as she was able to defeat the Spanish Armanda during 1588. The Armanda was a 132 strong ship army, with approximately 30 000 men onboard. Similarly, Portia, when disguised as a lawyer, she was able to find a loophole in Shylock’s agreement with Antonio, being the fact that Shylock had to cut exactly 1 pound of flesh, no more and no less, or he would be breaking the agreement. That was obviously impossible for Shylock to do, so he was forced to drop charges against Antonio
