Queen Elizabeth & The Golden Age Literature Notes Queen Elizabeth & The Golden Age

Elizabeth: A Brief Biography The reign of Queen Elizabeth is often referred to as “The Golden Age.” Elizabeth was the daughter of King Henry VIII and his second wife Anne Boleyn. She was born on September 7, 1533, and her birth was one of the biggest disappointments of her father’s life. Because Elizabeth’s mother Anne failed to provide Henry with a son, she was executed and Elizabeth was declared illegitimate.

Biography Continued After her mother’s death, Elizabeth saw a quick succession of stepmothers. For generations, historians have debated whether the constant bride changing was responsible for Elizabeth’s refusal to marry. As a child despite her father ignoring her, Elizabeth was given an impressive education, and by adulthood, she could speak five languages. Henry later reinstated his daughter in line of the succession because he finally received the boy he had long hoped for, Edward.

Biography Continued In Tudor times, girls were considered of marriageable age at 12, however, it was never Elizabeth’s intention to marry. She was crowned Queen on January 15, 1559, because her younger brother Edward pre-deceased her from illness. When she became Queen, marriage proposals poured in, but she refused every suitor. She did have one love interest, who supposedly killed his wife to marry Elizabeth. Due to the accusations, Elizabeth “wed” her country and declared herself “The Virgin Queen.”

Elizabeth’s Reign The only real battle England had to endure during Elizabeth’s reign was with Spain; the English defeated them. At which point, Elizabeth’s popularity reached its zenith. She proved, with the defeat of Spain, a woman could lead in war as well as any man. The time she reigned is often referred to as “The Golden Age,” because everything was untarnished by war, severe poverty, hunger, and religious squabbles. When Elizabeth officially ascended the throne in 1559, England was an impoverished country torn apart by the aforementioned. When she died in 1603, England was one of the most powerful and prosperous countries in the world.

Elizabeth’s Interests Elizabeth enjoyed all types of entertainment including: jousting, hunting, music, and the arts, in particular theater. She had no time for “Bible thumpers,” who deemed such entertainment impious. She loved watching plays and created the atmosphere responsible for the flourishing of the literary masterpieces of Shakespeare.

The Queen & Shakespeare Elizabeth had a special relationship with “The Bard,” as Shakespeare is oftentimes referred, and she thoroughly enjoyed his works. The Guinness Book of World Records lists William Shakespeare as the most filmed author ever. His work has been adapted into movies more than 420 times. If it weren’t for Queen Elizabeth’s reign, Shakespeare might not have found the fame that has lasted generations.