Monday, January 28, 2008

Marguerite de Navarre, sister to Francis I of France, is an example of a woman whose power was derived from her relationship to a man. For as long as she was able, she sheltered reformers against their enemies, but when her brother turned against them she was unable to save them from persecution. Her later years were spent in seclusion, far from her brother's court and the centers of power in her world.

A better-known example is Elizabeth I of England, who refused matrimony in order to avoid handing her power over to a husband. The price she and her people paid was that she was unable to produce an heir, and on her death the throne passed to her cousin, James I, of the Stuart dynasty in Scotland. Our readings today give us a chance to look into the worlds of both of these women.

First, though, let's look at some questions from Wiesner and King:

• How does Wiesner reinterpret the meaning of the term "political" at the beginning of the chapter we're reading?
• What is meant by Wiesner's distinction between power and authority? Can you think of any examples in your experience?
• On p. 290, Wiesner speaks of the relationship between the public/private divide and the gender dichotomy. Explain what she means, and think of concrete ways of illustrating it.
• What is the theory of the king's "two bodies," and how does it apply to women rulers?
• What are the implications of patriarchal power for women in positions of authority?
• On p. 301, Wiesner refers to the first recorded feminists. On what does she base her definition?
• How did efforts to extend political power to men outside of the elite affect women?
• How do theorists expressing concern over social order justify the continued suppression of female power and/or authority?
• What according to Wiesner is the basis for racial stereotyping in the early modern world? How does it intersect with gender stereotyping?
• What according to King are the limits of women's authority as rulers and as members of the ruling classes?

Next, I have included my own article on Marguerite's correspondence with a reforming bishop:

• How do these two explore power dynamics in their use of rhetoric in their exchange?
• What is the currency that each has to offer? What are the limits of Marguerite's power?

Finally, looking at Elizabeth's speeches, I want you to note anything that shows her reflecting her condition as a female ruler in the way she handles her various audiences.

Laurel Carrington carringt@stolaf.edu
Most recent update: January 25, 2008

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