Mirror For The Queen: Visual And Poetic Symbolism Surrounding Elizabeth I And Some Implications For Interpretation Of Images In John Donne's "Songs And Sonets"

Elizabeth I came to the English throne during a period of religious and political turmoil and set about trying to re-establish stability. Her success was largely dependent on her ability to manipulate her own image. Elizabeth actively encouraged her people to think of her as a mythic woman; and poets and painters willingly lent their talents to the enterprise. Elizabeth became Judith, Diana, Astraea, and the embodiment of truth, beauty, chastity and purity. She was the Ideal Woman. Very thorough studies of the symbolic nature of Elizabeth have been made by Elkin Calhoun Wilson and Roy Strong. However there is an ironic side to this cult of praise which can be seen particularly in Elizabeth's portraits. As she aged chronologically, her portraits became more youthful, so that by the time she was at the end of her life, she was being painted as a young woman. The ironic overtones present in the symbols surrounding Elizabeth were reflected in some of the literature of the 1590's as well, a decade known for its literary irony, paradox, and satire! A younger generation of writers and adventurers were beginning to tire of the old Queen who seemed as barren as their chances for advancement. John Donne was a member of this generation.