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Speech Before the Spanish Armada Invasion(Speech by Queen Elizabeth I) KEY IDEA During the Renaissance, a nation’s leaders did not have to run for office. However, both Sir Thomas More and Elizabeth I suggest that even kings and queens must demonstrate effective leadership to win the support of their people. Before Reading: Meet Sir Thomas More (1478–1535) and Queen Elizabeth I (1533–1603)
A Utopian VisionBorn in London in 1478, More entered Parliament when he was 26. His experience in the political world convinced him that the time was ripe for change. In 1516, More wrote Utopia, a fictional work in which he enumerates the political, economic, and social problems afflicting 16th-century Europe. He also describes an ideal state ruled by reason. A Fatal Falling OutThe publication of Utopia thrust More into the spotlight, and in 1517 he joined King Henry VIII’s council. Twelve years later, Henry appointed More lord chancellor. However, a rift soon developed between More and Henry over the king’s desire to break England’s ties with the Roman Catholic Church. In 1534, More refused to approve legislation that would install Henry as head of the Church of England. More was tried and found guilty of treason. His final words as he stood before the executioner were, “The King’s good servant, but God’s first.”
On the day Elizabeth I was crowned, crowds cheered as she was carried through the streets. It was an auspicious beginning to her 45-year reign as queen of England. Stark BeginningThe daughter of King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth probably had a lonely childhood. Her father was deeply disappointed that his wife hadn’t produced a male heir. Two years after Elizabeth’s birth, he had her mother executed on charges of treason.
Glorious ReignElizabeth I ascended the throne in 1558. Her reign was a time of great prosperity and artistic achievement. Elizabeth also proved to be a shrewd politician and orator. In 1588, when a fleet of Spanish ships known as the Spanish Armada was preparing to invade England, Elizabeth delivered an inspiring speech to her soldiers. Despite having fewer ships and soldiers, the English fleet defeated the Armada.
While Reading Literary analysis: rhetorical devices Both Sir Thomas More and Elizabeth I use rhetorical devices— techniques that communicate their ideas and strengthen their arguments. As you read, pay attention to their use of the following techniques: • An analogyis a comparison made between two dissimilar things in order to explain an unfamiliar subject in terms of a familiar one. For example, More compares a bad ruler to an incompetent physician who cannot cure a disease except by creating another. • Repetitionis the repeated use of a word or phrase. For example, Elizabeth I repeats the phrase “I myself” to emphasize her personal involvement in England’s defense. • A rhetorical questionis a question to which no answer is expected. (Who is more eager for revolution than he who is discontented with his present state of life?) • Antithesisexpresses contrasting ideas in parallel grammatical structures. (I know I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king. . . .) Reading skill: draw conclusions When you draw conclusionsabout a text, you make judgments based on statements in the text. For example, if a writer often criticizes corruption in public officials, you might conclude that the writer values honesty and integrity. As you read the following selections, note main ideas and supporting details that help you draw conclusions about Thomas More’s and Queen Elizabeth’s views of the proper role of a ruler.
from Utopia
Date: 2016-03-03; view: 2065
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