Queen Elizabeth I

Definition

Queen Elizabeth I was the last monarch of the Tudor dynasty, ruling England from 1558 until her death in 1603. She is known for her significant impact on English culture and politics, including the flourishing of the arts and exploration during her reign, which coincided with the works of notable writers and poets like Sir Philip Sidney and Edmund Spenser. Elizabeth’s Protestant policies and support of the Anglican Church also influenced religious practices, which were reflected in texts such as The Book of Common Prayer.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Queen Elizabeth I was known as the 'Virgin Queen' because she never married, which allowed her to maintain power without sharing it with a husband.
2. Her reign is often called the Golden Age of England due to the flourishing arts and literature, highlighted by playwrights like William Shakespeare and poets like Edmund Spenser.
3. Elizabeth I faced significant challenges from Catholic factions, leading to a strong emphasis on Protestantism in her rule and support for The Book of Common Prayer.
4. Under her leadership, England defeated the Spanish Armada in 1588, solidifying her position as a powerful monarch and influencing national pride.
5. Elizabeth's patronage of explorers led to the expansion of English influence overseas, establishing colonies in the New World and promoting maritime trade.

Review Questions

• How did Queen Elizabeth I's policies influence the literary works of Sir Philip Sidney?
  • Queen Elizabeth I’s reign fostered an environment that encouraged artistic expression and intellectual exploration. Sir Philip Sidney, as a key figure of the Elizabethan literary scene, produced works that reflected the themes of love, honor, and national pride prevalent during her rule. Her support for the arts provided writers like Sidney with both inspiration and patronage, allowing them to flourish under her monarchy.
• Analyze the relationship between Queen Elizabeth I's religious policies and the content found in The Book of Common Prayer.
  • Queen Elizabeth I’s Protestant policies significantly shaped religious practices in England, leading to the establishment of The Book of Common Prayer as a central text for Anglican worship. This book sought to unify worship practices among Protestants and reflected Elizabeth’s desire to create a distinct English identity separate from Catholic traditions. The contents of The Book of Common Prayer embody her commitment to Protestantism while promoting stability within her realm amidst religious tensions.
• Evaluate how Queen Elizabeth I's reign set the stage for future literary movements following her death in 1603.
  • The cultural advancements during Queen Elizabeth I's reign laid a strong foundation for subsequent literary movements such as the Jacobean period. Her encouragement of writers and poets not only enriched English literature but also cultivated themes that would evolve in later works. The exploration of complex human emotions and national identity during her time paved the way for future writers to further delve into these subjects, ultimately influencing subsequent literary styles and philosophies in England.

Related terms

Tudor Dynasty: A royal house of Welsh origin that ruled England from 1485 to 1603, known for its significant influence on English history, including the establishment of the Church of England.

The Elizabethan Era: The period associated with Queen Elizabeth I's reign, noted for the English Renaissance, marked by advances in literature, drama, and exploration.

Anglican Church: The church established by Henry VIII that became the primary Christian denomination in England, influencing religious practices during Elizabeth I's reign.