Analysis of on Monsieurs Departure

Introduction

"On Monsieurs Departure" is a poem written by Elizabeth I, the Queen of England and Ireland from 1558 to 1603. This poem was written during a time of great political and religious turmoil, as Elizabeth I was one of the last Protestant monarchs in a predominantly Catholic Europe. In this essay, we will analyze the themes, structure, and language used in "On Monsieurs Departure" to gain a deeper understanding of the poem and its significance.

Themes

One of the main themes explored in "On Monsieurs Departure" is the conflict between duty and personal desire. Elizabeth I, as the Queen, was constantly torn between her obligations as a ruler and her longing for personal happiness. This conflict is evident in the lines, "I grieve and dare not show my discontent, / I love and yet am forced to seem to hate." Here, the Queen expresses her inner turmoil of having to hide her true feelings and pretend to hate someone she actually loves.

Another theme present in the poem is the burden of power and the loneliness that comes with it. Elizabeth I was known for her strong leadership and independent nature, and "On Monsieurs Departure" reflects the isolation she often felt as a monarch. The line, "I am and not, I freeze and yet am burned" conveys the contradictory emotions of being in a position of power, where one can feel both numb and overwhelmed at the same time.

Structure

The structure of "On Monsieurs Departure" is that of a sonnet, a fourteen-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme and meter. However, Elizabeth I deviates from the traditional structure of a sonnet by using irregular line lengths and varying line endings. This deviation from the norm reflects the Queen's rebellion against societal expectations and her desire to express her personal emotions freely.

The poem is divided into three quatrains and a couplet, with each quatrain exploring a different aspect of the Queen's emotions. The first quatrain establishes the conflict between duty and desire, the second quatrain delves into the burden of power, and the third quatrain expresses the Queen's longing for liberation. The couplet serves as a conclusion, summarizing the Queen's internal struggle and her ultimate acceptance of her role as a monarch.

Language

The language used in "On Monsieurs Departure" is rich in imagery and symbolism. Elizabeth I employs metaphors to convey her complex emotions and the challenges she faces as a ruler. For example, the line, "I am and not, I freeze and yet am burned" uses contrasting images to depict the conflicting feelings of the Queen. The use of paradoxical language emphasizes the internal turmoil she experiences.

The poem also contains religious imagery, reflecting the religious tensions of the time. Elizabeth I, as a Protestant monarch, was constantly under threat from Catholic factions who sought to overthrow her. The lines, "Thou canst not vex me with inconstant mind, / Since that my life on thy revolt doth lie," suggest the Queen's reliance on God and her trust in divine providence to protect her from her enemies.

Conclusion

In "On Monsieurs Departure," Elizabeth I provides a glimpse into her personal struggles as a powerful female ruler. Through the themes of duty and desire, the burden of power, and the language of paradox and religious imagery, the Queen conveys the complexities of her position and the inner conflicts she faces. This poem serves as a testament to Elizabeth I's strength and resilience, as well as her ability to transform personal experiences into timeless works of art. By analyzing this poem, we gain a deeper understanding of the Queen's inner world and the challenges she faced during her reign.