American Rhetoric: Movie Speech

"Elizabeth" (1998) Consider the following questions.
Who was the audience?
What was the speaker's exigence?
What was the purpose of the speech?
What constraints or obstacles do you think the speaker encountered?
What does the audience value?

1 answer

The audience for the movie speech in "Elizabeth" (1998) would be the court members, particularly the nobles and advisors present. Additionally, it could also include the general public and the common people who were affected by the speaker's decisions.

The speaker's exigence was most likely the need to establish her authority and legitimacy as the new queen of England, as well as to rally support and loyalty from her subjects. This was especially important considering the fact that she was a young and inexperienced ruler facing a divided and skeptical court.

The purpose of the speech was to assert her power and assert her right to rule, overcome potential opposition or doubt, and inspire her audience to have faith in her leadership. It aimed to address and challenge the constraints and obstacles she faced as a woman in a patriarchal society and convince her listeners of her capabilities.

The speaker, Queen Elizabeth I, would have encountered numerous constraints and obstacles during her speech. Given the historical context, being a woman in a position of power would have been seen as highly unconventional and controversial. Additionally, there were political factions within the court that were eager to seize power or undermine her authority. The presence of these constraints and obstacles would have made it difficult for her to assert her authority and gain the trust and loyalty of her audience.

The audience in "Elizabeth" could be expected to value loyalty, stability, and tradition. They would have revered the established order and social hierarchy. They may also value strength and bravery, as these qualities would have been seen as necessary for a ruler to navigate the political and social challenges of the time.