Final answer:
In the sentence 'People treated her as though she was/were a queen,' 'were' is the correct form if following traditional English grammar subjunctive mood rules, but 'was' is often used informally. The subjunctive mood is used for hypothetical scenarios, and references to queens in literature and history illustrate the reverence and status often afforded to these female rulers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question 'People treated her as though she was/were a queen.' relates to the use of the subjunctive mood in English grammar.
In this case, 'were' is the traditionally correct form used in the subjunctive mood for hypothetical or non-real situations, although in modern English, 'was' is also commonly used in informal contexts.
The subjunctive is typically used to express wishes, demands, or suggestions. In literature and historical accounts, the treatment of royal figures such as queens often reflects their elevated status and the reverence they command.
Historical accounts and literature provide examples of how queens or female rulers have been regarded and treated, ranging from elevated status, political influence, and public affection, to the challenges they faced, such as the destruction of their monuments.
Figures like the Queen Mother in various cultures were afforded respect and privileges, and stories about them reveal the complexities of their lives and the legacies they left behind.