Elizabeth's Use Of Authoritative Statements example essay topic

Oratory Essay Queen Elizabeth 1 of England Hayle e Ellis Queen Elizabeth 1 skilled use of ora tial techniques, especially authoritative statements, religious appeals and her use of the concepts of heroism and royalty made her famous. Her speeches were delivered more or less impromptu. But the lack of prepared notes, as well as recording equipment, meant that her speeches had to be recorded in shorthand as they were being delivered, or copied down from memory afterwards. Many complaints have been made of the inadequacy of the notes that do not capture Elizabeth's skill. Research for this essay was mainly conducted through the Internet, as it is the quickest and most comprehensive resource available. Most of Elizabeth's speeches have been published, meaning that a wide range of material was available for this essay.

Research was undertaken with the intention of discovering what were the main features of Elizabeth's techniques, what effect were intended by the use of these techniques, and what bearing did subject and audience have on these. Six speeches were chosen as the main material: The Armada Speech 1588, the Farewell or 'Golden Speech" of 1601, Two speeches on religion, 1559 and 1583, and two that were responses to a Parliamentary delegation on her marriage, 1559 and 1566. Elizabeth used many oratorical techniques in her speeches, but the most notable ones are the use of authoritative statements, references to God and religion, and her use of the concepts of honor and royalty. Elizabeth was a female authority figure in a time when men ruled most countries. She often refers to herself in the third person: "we have heard your declaration and perceive your care of our estate" (Farewell Speech) "yet do return you this our answer" (on religion, 1559). She refers to herself as the State, "I myself will be General, Judge and Re warder" (the Armada speech) and uses the terms King, Queen and Prince interchangeably, such as in her speech on religion, 1583; "bestowed upon a careless Prince".

The 14th century was a time when almost everybody believed in the Christian God, in some form. Elizabeth's speeches made frequent references to this. She often refers to "almighty God", and often hopes that it will "please God" is used many times. She said: "set the Last Judgement before mine eyes" in her farewell speech, "but He will so work in my heart"I studied nothing else but divinity" (response to a parliamentary delegation on her marriage, 1566), and also: "religion is the ground in which all other matters ought to take root" (on religion, 1583).

Elizabeth's use of the concepts of honor and royalty are most obvious in her Armada speech; "to live or die amongst you all, to lay down for God, my kingdom and my people, my honor and my blood" and "I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a King, and a King of England too". But possibly her most famous statement is "for me it will be enough that a marble stone should declare that a queen having reigned such a time lived and died a virgin" (response to a parliamentary delegation on her marriage, 1559). Elizabeth's awareness of honor is also obvious in these statements from her speech on marriage in 1566; "I will never break the word of a prince spoken in a public place", and, "were it not for my honor, their knavery would be known". The use of these techniques is very effective, the calmative effect being one of absolute authority.

Elizabeth's use of authoritative statements is used to reinforce that fact that she is the monarch, England's voice of authority which must be obeyed completely. This technique also means that Elizabeth identifies with the audience, and assures unity of purpose. In a time when religion was an important part of most people's lives, Elizabeth's constant referral to religion is an appeal to the beliefs of the audience, and also demonstrating her commitment to religion. There is also a link to both the concept of royalty and her authoritarian stance, in the fact that Elizabeth often refers to God when explaining her views has the effect of making her argument the 'right one', at least in the eyes of God.

Elizabeth often hints that parliament's decisions are often contrary to God's. Her use of the concepts of honor and royalty reinforce the image of 'good Queen Bess', portraying her as a person to be admired and respected, and ultimately, obeyed. But it also reinforces the idea of England, and the people of England as honorable, because of the fact that their queen is noble and courageous, willing to die with them and for them if necessary. In conclusion, Elizabeth was one of the greatest orators of the 14th century. Her skillful use of author ative statements, religious appeals and the concepts of honor and royalty, as well as many other oratorical techniques to inspire and persuade her audiences made her famous in her day, and perhaps she should be in ours too.