Queen Elizabeth's Speech At Tilbury

Janice Park
Ms. Fradkin
A.P. English Lang
November 2, 2015
Analysis of the Queen’s Speech at Tilbury With the Spanish Armada inches from England’s shore, Queen Elizabeth delivered a powerful speech at Tilbury. The Spanish and English had been enemies for years, and this was yet another battle. Queen Elizabeth shaped her argument to reinforce her right to rule as well as to invigorate the troops for a battle against the mighty Spanish Armada. The Queen’s use of diction and rhetoric successfully removed any doubt in her leadership and invigorated the soldiers. Queen Elizabeth’s use of diction was precise as well as purposeful. There was no word that was misplaced, and she chose them carefully. She emphasized her respect for the soldiers
Her powerful words are also used to belittle their enemy, the king of Spain. She belittled them by saying, “... think foul scorn that Parma or Spain, or any prince of Europe, should dare to invade the borders of my realm…” (Speech to the Troops at Tilbury). By saying this, the Queen called the king of Spain a mere prince, whereas the phrase before, she placed herself on a pedestal as “king of England”. Also the use of “foul scorn” emphasized two meanings: one, it is a verbal lashing, and two, it is an appeal for the troops to think likewise. The Queen’s use of diction was successful through her ability to present her
She used imagery to oust doubts, increase emotion and to excite the troops. She foresaw the fear and doubt in their hearts, that they have images of “armed multitudes” carry out acts of “treachery” against the kingdom. However, she dismissed the arguments by praising her “faithful and loving people” (Speech to the Troops at Tilbury) and points out that they are the reason why she is able to dismiss the doubts of the forthcoming battle. By doing so, she diminished the fear and appealed to the troops’ sense of confidence. The Queen also used imagery to paint herself riding with her men, “... in the midst and heat of battle, to live and die amongst you all…” (Speech to the Troops at Tilbury). She presented the imagery to rouse the soldiers’ spirits up for the battle and the chance to fight with their valiant leader. She acknowledged her shortcomings, “I know I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king…” (Speech to the Troops at Tilbury). But she presented her strengths, juxtaposing them to a king’s. Her use of rhetoric is evident in her speech as she accentuated her power over her troops as well as polishing them for