The Poems of Queen Elizabeth I Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

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Coyness (A motif) - “When I was Fair and Young”

Queen Elizabeth I was coy herself, for she turned way men who pursued her. Her coyness is palpable in the retort, “Go, go, go, seek some other where, importune me no more.” The nervousness that Queen Elizabeth I displayed during her younger days characterizes conservatism that made her nervous of exploiting Eros and matrimony.

Breast - “When I was Fair and Young” and “On Monsieur’s Departure.”

The representational breast appears in “When I was Fair and Young” and “On Monsieur’s Departure.” Queen Elizabeth I mentions the breast when articulating her sentiments. The breast embodies an incorporeal heart.

Fortune - “In Defiance of Fortune” and “Written on a wall at Woodstock”

“In Defiance of fortune” typifies fortune as an aspect that cannot be dominated. Comparatively, “Written on a wall at Woodstock” portrays fortune as a mutable dynamic that cannot be projected.

Rusty Sword - “The Doubt of Future Foes”

Queen Elizabeth I declares, “My rusty sword through rest shall first his edge employ.” The Queen means that she would not hesitate to sponsor a battle against the proponents of sedition. The rusty sword denotes Queen Elizabeth I’s weaponry which have not been employed in war for a long time.

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