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Abstract

This dissertation examines the experiences of Mary, Queen of Scots whilst imprisoned in England under Elizabeth I between 1568-1587. Broadly, when historians have studied Mary, Queen of Scots’ life, their research has given a singular chapter to her imprisonment under Elizabeth yet thinking chronologically, this imprisonment took up nearly half her life. It seeks to reduce this imbalance and explore this overlooked aspect of Mary’s life, combining themes of status, influence, agency and gender to argue that despite her situation, Mary was able to impact others with emotional articulation alongside a consciousness of what was expected of her. The letters of Mary, Queen of Scots have been invaluable in understanding the extent to which Mary was politically active looking at her use of language to influence others. This dissertation ascertains the extent to which the situation projected by Mary was a reality versus the exaggeration created to provoke sympathy for her situation amongst her supporters, finding that much of what Mary wrote, whilst true, was embellishing the negative aspects. In the context of a patriarchal society, as well as rigid expectations of female rulers, Mary was, at times, impressively forward-thinking in utilising secret networks and ciphered texts to avoid detection. Her societal role and authority continued through her various incarcerations and comparisons can be drawn with other prisoners of conviction (such as Thomas More), although Mary did not receive the martyrdom that the Catholic church may have been expected to bestow.

Course: History - BA (Hons) - C1087

Date Deposited: 2024-01-23

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14306.html