Final answer:
Elizabeth probably blamed herself for William's death because of the guilt and responsibility she felt, which is a common theme in literature dealing with such emotions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Elizabeth likely blamed herself for William's death because of overwhelming feelings of guilt or a sense of responsibility that she perceived in the events leading to his death. In literature, it is not uncommon for characters to blame themselves due to personal connections to the event, emotional responses, or the burden of 'what-if' scenarios. Elizabeth's self-blame could be the result of her thinking she could have prevented the tragedy or because she believes her actions indirectly led to it, a common theme seen in narratives surrounding guilt and grief.