Rhetorical Analysis Of Queen Elizabeth 1

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Battling two different religions in the mix of chaos, Queen Elizabeth attempts to satisfy the wishes of both Roman Catholics and Protestant beliefs. The rules of Henry VIII and Queen Mary I exacerbated the divide between the two secular religions. King Henry established the monarch’s role in the church’s doctrine and practices, allowing the crown to have authority over religion. Although a traditional Catholic, Henry favored the sentiment of breaking allegiance with Rome, which garnered support for the rise of Protestant beliefs. Under the rule of Edward VI, Protestantism continued. However, in the year 1553, Queen Mary I restored Roman Catholicism as the state’s religion, allowing the Catholic pope to reign again. Consequently, Queen Elizabeth, I will inherit a nation plagued by religious quarrels. Using rhetorical appeals, she informs both Catholic and Protestant clergymen on the importance of passing The Act of Uniformity. Queen Elizabeth uses ethos to initiate ownership of the people of England, pathos to persuade the clergymen for votes, and logos to dispute any claim and worries. Queen Elizabeth I starts with a major statement. She expresses, “If there is no uniformity of religious belief here, then there can only be …show more content…

The Queen states, “How can I force you, Your Grace? I am a woman.” (Queen Elizabeth I). She rejects the argument of the clergy, by distracting the audience with her satirical statement. She then diverts the conversation using a rhetorical question, following her statement about opening to men’s souls. Her rhetorical question suggests that you can not be faithful to two masters if you are serving both. This leads to the audience shouting heresy and a church filled with uncertain attitudes. To establish her presence she suggests that her statement is common sense and of England’s high moral