ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -Queen Elizabeth I ruled England during most of Shakespeare’s lifetime. She was born on September 7, 1533, in Greenwich, and she died on March 24, 1603, in Richmond, Surrey, after 45 years as queen.

Detailed explanation-2: -Elizabeth I and Shakespeare When Shakespeare was born in 1564, Elizabeth had been Queen of England for just 5 years. While most of his plays were written after her death, we do know she saw a few of Shakespeare’s plays performed and that he performed at Court.

Detailed explanation-3: -Elizabeth valued and supported the theater. She invited Shakespeare on numerous occasions to perform for her at court. Her support was highly valuable for Shakespeare and contributed to his success in London.

Detailed explanation-4: -Elizabeth I reigned for 45 years, from 1558 to 1603. Shakespeare, born in 1564, spent the majority of his life under her rule. The influence of the Queen, and the way in which she portrayed herself, was pervasive, and can be seen in many of Shakespeare’s plays, including The Merry Wives of Windsor.

Detailed explanation-5: -The ‘Virgin Queen’ never married, but instead pledged her body to England itself. In 1588, when Spain threatened to invade, she made one of the most famous speeches in royal history to inspire her troops. God listened, and the Spanish Armada was defeated.