What's the Word? Elizabeth I and Victoria
Series: What' s the Word? - A series of half-hour programs to celebrate Women's History Month in March
From: Modern Language Association
Length: 00:29:00
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Piece Description
Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria each presided over a period of major literary development in England. This program looks at how they influenced and were depicted in literature and popular culture. Katharine Maus discusses how Elizabeth was portrayed in literature as the Virgin Queen; Maureen Quilligan shares images of Elizabeth from such writers as William Shakespeare and poet Mary Sidney; and Adrienne Munich tells how the queen's presence was felt in Victorian culture through works that ranged from Gilbert and Sullivan's _Mikado_ to the broadside ballads sold on the streets of London. Thirty-second promo available. If you are interested in this, see our pieces at: http://prx.org/pieces/16919 What's the Word? Pride and Prejudice http://prx.org/pieces/16840 What's the Word? Women Warriors http://prx.org/pieces/16838 What's the Word? Medieval Women http://prx.org/pieces/17295 What's the Word? Women Public Intellectuals
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Rene O'Deay
Posted on March 12, 2007 at 07:53 PM | Permalink
Review of What's the Word? Elizabeth I and Victoria
A brief survey of each Queen's influence on the arts and literature of their time.
The different voices reading selections from scholars and authors and short clips from opera, plays and musical pieces, keeps the program interesting.
A better and richer analysis of Elizabeth's personal and political influence than of Victoria's. The readings are very brief, mere quotes.
The authors and scholars of Victoria seem to think she was "invisible in plain sight," perhaps an apt description with her subjection to her husband Prince Albert.
What is interesting is that you come away with a vivid image of the major difference between the two Queens, one totally independant, visible and powerful; the other, subserviant and conciliatory though the ruler of the most powerful empire of her time.
Elizabeth's reign dominated by freedom and exhilerance and the blossoming of the arts, Victoria's dominated by repression and the infamous Victorian morals reflected in the arts and literature of her time.
Elizabeth Tudor is still a major influence and inspiration to what women can accomplish if they do not surrender their power to others. Victoria, an example of what not to do with your power, give it to men.