Sample Solution

Elizabeth did not only have to prove to her close court and political rivals that she was capable of ruling. Upon Elizabeth’s coronation, the newly-appointed ruler had to strongly defend her right to the crown, for several reasons, including her Protestantism, but predominantly her gender – for issues already deliberated. I shall maintain my line of argument by claiming that the audience here drives her literary methods of resistance. This speech was written not long after the Woodstock epigram, and yet it is not so taciturn in language. This, I claim, is because her audience – the nation – demands clear answers. Clarity is a demonstration of capability and honesty. Elizabeth’s debut speech, written by herself aged twenty-five, openly addresses concerns with resistance.

‘I happily chose the kind of life in which I yet live, which I assure you for my own part hath hitherto best contended myself and I trust hath been most acceptable to God’, forms part of her opening speech. The simplicity ascertains the bold nature of the Queen’s words – her meaning cannot be lost. The pre-modifying adverb ‘happily chose’ initiates that the Queen has a freedom of choice, an inherent right. Yet, it also implies that she is not necessarily belittling her critics – with this choice, comes criticism. It has a regal, proud tone to it.

Repeated throughout the speech is the notion of her relationship with God: a quest to rectify the uncertainties raised by many. She reiterates the biblically supported idea that God rules through the leader of the country: ‘I trust God, who hath hitherto therein preserved and led me by the hand, will not now of his goodness suffer me to go alone’. Openly confronting the issue of marriage, Elizabeth confides in her nation that she shall continue to be subservient to God regarding such a matter – ‘And alb