Question

Read this section from "speech to the troops at tilbury": i know i have the body of a weak, feeble woman; but i have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of england too, and think foul scorn that parma or spain, or any prince of europe, should dare to invade the borders of my realm; to which rather than any dishonour shall grow by me, i myself will take up arms, i myself will be your general, judge, and rewarder of every one of your virtues in the field. i know already, for your forwardness you have deserved rewards and crowns; and we do assure you on a word of a prince, they shall be duly paid. in the mean time, my lieutenant general shall be in my stead, than whom never prince commanded a more noble or worthy subject; not doubting but by your obedience to my general, by your concord in the camp, and your valour in the field, we shall shortly have a famous victory over these enemies of my god, of my kingdom, and of my people. which of the following states a purpose of the passage "speech to the troops at tilbury?

a) to entertain listeners with ingenious metaphors
b) to persuade parma and spain to leave england
c) to inspire confidence in elizabeth’s leadership
d) to inform listeners of elizabeth’s military history

Answer 1

Queen Elizabeth I's 'Speech to the Troops at Tilbury' aims to inspire confidence in her leadership and rally her troops for victory against the Spanish Armada by emphasizing her metaphorical kingly attributes, her determination to defend her realm, and promise rewards for their service. Option C is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The speech 'To the Troops at Tilbury' by Queen Elizabeth I serves a significant purpose in the context of the Spanish Armada's attack on England. In her address, Queen Elizabeth I aims to bolster the morale of her troops and inspire confidence in her leadership, ensuring them that she is resolute in her determination to lead the nation to victory against the Spanish forces. Her words convey the message that she may physically appear to be a 'weak, feeble woman,' but she possesses the 'heart and stomach of a king' and the pride of a monarch who would not tolerate foreign invasion. Elizabeth embodies both the sovereignty and the military strategy required to defend her kingdom, signaling her readiness to take up arms and rewarding those who demonstrate valour and loyalty.

Historical context is essential to grasp the full impact of Elizabeth's message. The stakes were monumental, as Philip II of Spain had launched an armada with the intent of overthrowing Protestant England and restoring Catholic supremacy. Elizabeth’s speech highlights her commitment to safeguarding her nation and her Protestant faith.

The speech demonstrates leadership, instills unity, and prepares the troops for battle by emphasizing loyalty, courage, and the promise of rewards. Elizabeth's presence and words were meant to motivate and assure her subjects of her capability as a ruler, and her determination to defeat any adversary.

Therefore, the main purpose of Queen Elizabeth I's 'Speech to the Troops at Tilbury' is (c) to inspire confidence in Elizabeth’s leadership.