Summary Of Elizabeth's Letter To King Mary

622 Words3 Pages
Elizabeth I writes her letter to King James VI of Scotland following Mary, Queen of Scots execution. Mary is James’ mother and was executed at Elizabeth’s word. Elizabeth writes to appease James as well as convince and persuade him of her innocence in this execution that was based on very little fact or evidence. In doing so, it appears that Elizabeth I is attempting to convince herself of her own innocence as well. She uses pointed diction to make herself more relatable to King James VI alongside passive language to shuck the responsibility of Mary’s execution and distance herself from blame. First, James is addressed as Elizabeth’s “dear brother” which cleverly has a double meaning. Calling him this puts James on the same power caste as Elizabeth,