Literature often holds a mirror to the social, political and economic milieu in which it was created; this could not be truer in Elizabethan times. A virgin Queen redefined the role of courtier, amorous intent must be merged with political advice, and this climate provided much fodder for poets, writers and playwrights alike. Elizabeth initially struggled ... to prove her legitimacy as Queen due to her sex, religion and parents, however through a series of calculated speeches, Elizabeth populized the medieval theory of the king's two bodies, constructing an image of herself, exploiting femini...

• Word Count: 1452
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Graduate