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Tilbury Speech Rhetorical Analysis

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Who wrote the Tilbury speech?

A. None other than the Queen herself! In fact, it is said that the Queen would often write all her own speeches, letters, & even poetry.

Did the English army win the battle at Tilbury?

A. Yes, and no. The Spanish Armada never showed up at Tilbury (since they were retreating after their previous defeat), so the battle never took place! Nonetheless, the English forces emerged victorious in the overall conflict with Spain, regardless of the outcome at Tilbury. 

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A Short Analysis of Queen Elizabeth I’s ‘Heart and Stomach of a King’ Speech at Tilbury

Queen Elizabeth I’s speech to the troops at Tilbury is among the most famous and iconic speeches in English history. On 9 August 1588, Elizabeth addressed the land forces which had been mobilised at the port of Tilbury in Essex, in preparation for the expected invasion of England by the Spanish Armada .

The speech has become inextricably linked with Elizabeth’s reign, which is often called the ‘Golden Age’ of English power and confidence. Elizabeth’s reign was the settling of the earliest English colonies in America, the establishment of the first London theatres, the early works of William Shakespeare and John Donne, and much else.

However, how authentic is the reported text of the speech Elizabeth gave on that day, and did she really tell her loyal troops that, although she had ‘the body of a weak and feeble woman’, she had ‘the heart and stomach of a king’?

Let’s take a closer look at the words of the speech. Here’s the text of the speech in full:

My loving people,

We have been persuaded by some that are careful of our safety, to take heed how we commit our selves to armed multitudes, for fear of treachery; but I assure you I do not desire to live to distrust my faithful and loving people.

Let tyrants fear. I have always so behaved myself that, under God, I have placed my chiefest strength and safeguard in the loyal hearts and good-will of my subjects; and therefore I am come amongst you, as you see, at this time, not for my recreation and disport, but being resolved, in the midst and heat of the battle, to live and die amongst you all; to lay down for my God, and for my kingdom, and my people, my honour and my blood, even in the dust.

I know I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too, and think foul scorn that Parma or Spain, or any prince of Europe, should dare to invade the borders of my realm: to which rather than any dishonour shall grow by me, I myself will take up arms, I myself will be your general, judge, and rewarder of every one of your virtues in the field.

I know already, for your forwardness you have deserved rewards and crowns; and We do assure you in the word of a prince, they shall be duly paid you. In the mean time, my lieutenant general shall be in my stead, than whom never prince commanded a more noble or worthy subject; not doubting but by your obedience to my general, by your concord in the camp, and your valour in the field, we shall shortly have a famous victory over those enemies of my God, of my kingdom, and of my people.

Many historians accept the speech of Elizabeth I as genuine, and believe the words quoted above have an authentic ring to them: they were delivered, and probably written, by Elizabeth herself. Elizabeth was also a somewhat gifted poet , so it should little surprise us that she had a fine turn of phrase when it came to speech-writing, too.

rhetorical analysis of queen elizabeth's speech at tilbury

Come on now, my companions at arms, and fellow soldiers, in the field, now for the Lord, for your Queen, and for the Kingdom. For what are these proud Philistines, that they should revile the host of the living God? I have been your Prince in peace, so will I be in war; neither will I bid you go and fight, but come and let us fight the battle of the Lord. The enemy perhaps may challenge my sex for that I am a woman, so may I likewise charge their mould for that they are but men, whose breath is in their nostrils, and if God do not charge England with the sins of England, little do I fear their force… Si deus nobiscum quis contra nos?

This final Latin phrase can be translated as ‘if God is with us, who can be against us?’

It was not until more than a decade later, in the 1620s, that the more familiar wording of Elizabeth’s speech was first written down, when Leonel Sharp included it in a letter to the Duke of Buckingham. This letter was published in 1654. In it, Sharp wrote,

The queen the next morning rode through all the squadrons of her army as armed Pallas attended by noble footmen, Leicester, Essex, and Norris, then lord marshal, and divers other great lords. Where she made an excellent oration to her army, which the next day after her departure, I was commanded to redeliver all the army together, to keep a public fast.

It is Sharp’s version of the speech that has become canonical, and many consider his to be closer to the wording that Elizabeth is likely to have used during the delivery of her speech.

But what marks both versions of the speech out is Elizabeth’s emphasis on her sex. In Leigh’s account of the speech, Elizabeth tells her English troops that the Spanish enemy may believe her to be an ineffectual ruler because she is a woman, rather than being a ‘strong’ man who can lead his troops into battle. But she responds to this hypothetical criticism by reminding her audience that the Spanish enemy are but men, who are mortal (and can therefore be killed).

In Sharp’s more famous version, the wording has become well-known, of course: ‘I know I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too’. In other words, Elizabeth acknowledges the fact that her body is naturally less masculine and strong than the average man’s, but it is not mere physical strength that will win the day. Instead, the ‘heart’ and ‘stomach’ are important: the strength of passion with which the men are inspired to fight to defend their country from an invading foreign force.

A key part of the quotation’s success, which is undoubtedly at least partly responsible for its fame, is the balancing of the spirit and passion (heart) with the more visceral courage and willingness to fight (stomach).

Curiously, the very first version of the speech to be recorded was in 1588, the same year as the foiled attack from the Spanish Armada. And it was in verse! James Aske published the celebratory ‘ Elizabetha Triumphans ’, which contains the words:

Their loyal hearts to us their lawful Queen. For sure we are that none beneath the heavens Have readier subjects to defend their right: Which happiness we count to us as chief. And though of love their duties crave no less Yet say to them that we in like regard And estimate of this their dearest zeal (In time of need shall ever call them forth To dare in field their fierce and cruel foes) Will be ourself their noted General Ne dear at all to us shall be our life, Ne palaces or Castles huge of stone Shall hold as then our presence from their view: But in the midst and very heart of them Bellona-like we mean as them to march; On common lot of gain or loss to both They well shall see we recke shall then betide. And as for honour with most large rewards, Let them not care they common there shall be: The meanest man who shall deserve a might, A mountain shall for his desart receive. And this our speech and this our solemn vow In fervent love to those our subjects dear, Say, seargeant-major, tell them from our self, On kingly faith we will perform it there …

Here we find no heart and stomach, and no interesting play on the Queen’s femininity or sex. This has led some historians to wonder if Sharp’s later recording of the words is unreliable and inauthentic.

But it seems more likely that Aske, churning out jingoistic doggerel while the national mood was still jubilant, was the one who took liberties with the wording used by the Queen, if he even knew what she had said on that day in August 1588.

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Home — Essay Samples — History — Queen Elizabeth — Queen Elizabeth’s Speech to the Troops at Tilbury: A Rhetorical Analysis

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Queen Elizabeth's Speech to The Troops at Tilbury: a Rhetorical Analysis

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Published: Sep 12, 2023

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The context of the speech, rhetorical devices and strategies, the impact of the speech, 4. repetition, 5. antithesis, 6. allusion.

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rhetorical analysis of queen elizabeth's speech at tilbury

Speech To The Troops At Tilbury Rhetorical Analysis

Queen Elizabeth’s speech to her troops is a masterclass in rhetoric. She employs numerous rhetorical devices to great effect, making her case for why they should fight against the Spanish Armada. Elizabeth begins by appealing to her troops’ sense of duty and patriotism, invoking images of a glorious past in which England was victorious against superior forces. She also paints a picture of what will happen if they fail to defeat the Armada, warning them of the consequences of defeat.

Elizabeth then turns to appeals to emotion, using pathos to stir up her troops’ sense of pride and courage. She asks them to think of their families and loved ones, and how proud they will be if the troops return home victorious. She also reminds them that they are fighting for a just cause, and that their victory will be a blow against tyranny.

Finally, Elizabeth appeals to her troops’ sense of reason, using logos to make a logical case for why they should fight. She points out the strength of the English navy, and how badly outnumbered the Spanish Armada is. She also talks about how much is at stake in this battle, and how important it is for England to defeat the Spanish.

Queen Elizabeth’s speech is an excellent example of rhetoric in action. By appealing to her troops’ sense of duty, patriotism, emotion, and reason, she was able to rally them to victory against overwhelming odds.

The queen’s speech energized the troops and assured her faith in them as well as her leadership skills through repetition, contrast, persuasion, amplification, and language use. Elizabeth begins by referring to herself in the fight by using “we,” establishing a shared ground with the troops.

She also employs the technique of repetition later in the paragraph by saying “I know” three times to show the depth of her conviction in what she is saying. This is significant as it would have been easy for her to give up and let someone else lead in her stead, but her commitment to her people is evident in her words. Elizabeth also uses juxtaposition when she compares herself to her sister Mary, who was not a good role model for how a queen should behave.

By contrasting herself with her sister, Elizabeth establishes herself as a virtuous queen who is worthy of respect and admiration. In addition, Elizabeth’s use of persuasive language throughout the speech is effective in winning over the support of the troops. For example, she argues that even though they are outnumbered, they have the “advantage of right” on their side.

This makes the troops feel more confident in themselves and their cause, which is important for boosting morale. Finally, Elizabeth’s use of amplification at the end of the speech leaves the troops feeling inspired and motivated to fight for her and their country. Overall, Queen Elizabeth’s speech was masterfully crafted and served to rally the troops behind her as she led them into battle.

She uses emotive rhetoric to instill a feeling of patriotism in her audience. Elizabeth refers to her people lovingly as “my loving people” (line 1) and “my devoted and loyal people” (line 5). She inspires the soldiers to bravely defend England by complimenting them, expressing nationalism, and giving them a cause.

She also employs logos by providing examples of England’s military accomplishments in the past. Elizabeth notes that “we have been persuaded by some that are careful for us, and true friends to this realm, that greater care is to be had of our preservation, than hitherto hath been taken” (lines 9-11). This statement not only gives the soldiers a sense of pride in their country, but also reassures them that their queen is aware of the danger they face and is taking measures to protect them.

Elizabeth also uses pathos to appeal to the emotions of her audience. In particular, she speaks to the soldiers’ sense of duty and honor. She tells them, “you shall be both rewards and examples to others” (line 14), implying that their actions will be remembered long after the war is over. This encourages the soldiers to fight not only for their country, but also for the legacy they will leave behind.

Overall, Elizabeth’s speech is effective in motivating her troops to fight for England. By appealing to their sense of duty, patriotism, and honor, she inspires them to defend their country against its enemies.

The Queen Elizabeth citation invokes God and country throughout the address, eliciting a strong sense of English patriotism through repetition. The Queen compares her “weak and feeble” (line 14) physical form to her powerful spirit and bravery, which are compared to those of an English king, appealing to the audience’s nationalism even further.

Elizabeth’s humility in admitting her own frailty also humanizes her, making her more relatable to her troops. The Queen’s anaphora at the beginning of several lines throughout the speech also creates a sense of unity and belonging among her audience.

Elizabeth employs many different rhetorical strategies throughout her speech in order to appeal to her troops and encourage them to fight for their country. By invoking images of past English heroes, such as King Arthur, Elizabeth attempts to stir up a sense of nationalism in her troops. She also repeatedly references God and virtue, appealing to their sense of morality.

In addition, the Queen uses various forms of repetition in order to emphasize certain points and create a sense of unity among her audience. Overall, Elizabeth’s speech is successful in its delivery and manages to appeal to the different values of her troops in order to encourage them to fight for their country.

She distinguishes herself from the oppressing sexism of the era, implying that she is as capable of success as any shrewd, hard-hearted king. When talking about the defense of her country, the Queen suggests that she will fight among them; Elizabeth repeats “myself” to emphasize her devotion to her nation.

This is significant as most monarchs would never put their lives on the line in battle, but by saying this Elizabeth unites herself with her troops.

She goes on to say that she knows “no personal cause to spurn at them” meaning that she has no vendetta against Spain, only a desire to protect England and its people. This statement both shows her virtue as a leader and puts any possible doubt of her intentions to rest. Elizabeth’s pathos-laden language speaks to the emotional needs of her troops; she knows they are homesick and worried for their families.

The Queen tells them that “your wives, your sisters, and your children” are all praying for your safe return, which would no doubt bolster their spirits. In her final words to the troops, Elizabeth gives a stirring call to arms that would have invigorated her troops and given them the strength to face the enemy.

Elizabeth’s use of ethos, pathos, and logos throughout this speech was masterful and it is easy to see why she was considered one of England’s greatest monarchs. By using these three rhetorical devices Elizabeth I was able to deliver a speech that inspired her troops and gave them the courage to fight for their country.

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rhetorical analysis of queen elizabeth's speech at tilbury

Queen Elizabeth I’s speech to the troops at Tilbury

Queen Elizabeth I used her power over language to frame the narrative of the Spanish Armada.

The speech she is supposed to have delivered to her troops on 9 August 1588 has become one of the defining moments in British history.

When was the Tilbury Speech made?

Fear of invasion by Spain remained high in England, especially with the action of the Spanish Armada taking place so close to England's shores. As a result, the ageing Robert Dudley was put in charge of the land army at Tilbury, on the Thames, to the east of London in Essex.

Dudley arranged for Queen Elizabeth to visit Tilbury to announce his appointment and rally the troops on  9 August 1588 . The queen's reported words during that visit has gone down in history. Read it in full below.

Find out more about the Spanish Armada

Elizabeth I's Tilbury speech in full

My loving people, We have been persuaded by some that are careful of our safety to take heed how we commit ourselves to armed multitudes, for fear of treachery. But I assure you, I do not desire to live to distrust my faithful and loving people. Let tyrants fear. I have always so behaved myself that, under God, I have placed my chiefest strength and safeguard in the loyal hearts and good-will of my subjects; and therefore I am come amongst you, as you see, at this time, not for my recreation and disport, but being resolved, in the midst and heat of the battle, to live and die amongst you all; to lay down for my God, and for my kingdom, and my people, my honour and my blood, even in the dust. I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too, and think foul scorn that Parma or Spain, or any prince of Europe, should dare to invade the borders of my realm: to which rather than any dishonour shall grow by me, I myself will take up arms, I myself will be your general, judge, and rewarder of every one of your virtues in the field. I know already, for your forwardness you have deserved rewards and crowns; and We do assure you on a word of a prince, they shall be duly paid. In the mean time, my lieutenant general shall be in my stead, than whom never prince commanded a more noble or worthy subject; not doubting but by your obedience to my general, by your concord in the camp, and your valour in the field, we shall shortly have a famous victory over these enemies of my God, of my kingdom, and of my people.

Philip II of Spain, 1527-98

Celebrating success

The defeat of the Spanish Armada brought fame, both for England and Queen Elizabeth I. Europe was stunned that such a small island nation had successfully defended itself against such a major aggressor.

While the war with Spain would continue until 1604, the outcome was no longer taken for granted and foreign diplomats began to court England as a possible ally. Elizabeth's popularity soared. The impact of the victory for the nation's self-confidence cannot be overestimated.

England’s success was celebrated in all manners of ways. Songs were written, medals struck, portraits painted and prints published. All lauded Elizabeth as a saviour who stood firm to protect her nation, shared the glory of the success with the English navy and gave thanks for divine intervention: 'God breathed and they were scattered'.

rhetorical analysis of queen elizabeth's speech at tilbury

Tudors to Windsors: British Royal Portraits

Elizabeth i quotes.

  • ‘We princes are set as it were upon stages in the sight and view of the world.’
  • ‘I have no desire to make windows into men’s souls.’
  • ‘It would please me best if, at the last, a marble stone shall record that this Queen having lived such and such a time, lived and died a virgin.’
  • ‘It is not my desire to live or reign longer than my life and reign shall be for your good. And though you have had, and may have, many mightier and wiser princes sitting in this seat, yet you never had, nor shall have, any that will love you better.

The Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I

The most famous visual expression of the Spanish Armada is The Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I (c. 1588). Although there are several versions of the painting, each one shows Elizabeth flanked by scenes of the defining acts that thwarted Spain’s invasion. On the left of the painting is England’s fleet watching the attack of their fireships, and on the right the Armada is being wrecked in storms on the coasts of Scotland and Ireland. In the centre is Elizabeth in all her glory, with her hand hovering over America on a globe. She is portrayed as living embodiment of England’s triumph and its imperial ambition.

See the Armada Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I

Using our collections for research.

The collections at Royal Museums Greenwich offer a world-class resource for researching maritime history, astronomy and time.

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A view of the Queen's House in Greenwich from the outside. The square white building is almost symmetrical from the front, with a gravel pathway leading up to the main entrance

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rhetorical analysis of queen elizabeth's speech at tilbury

Speech to the Troops at Tilbury

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Pathos is a literary device by which the speaker or writer chooses words or phrases to stir the audience’s emotion. Elizabeth employs pathos in several ways in her speech at Tilbury. Besides repeatedly stating her affection and love for her subjects, she chooses visceral words to move her listeners. “Foul,” “scorn,” and “treachery” all hint at the dangers she places herself in by appearing physically at the battle site. When referring to her subjects, she consistently refers to them as “her loving” people, who are “faithful,” “noble,” have “valour,” and are “worthy.” These are all evocative words that may stir a sense of something greater than themselves in the audience; they also establish Elizabeth’s concern for her people, underscoring that they are not simply faceless masses who might die for her. Finally, Elizabeth invokes God several times to help legitimize her campaign and remind subjects of her divine authority. In a relatively short speech, she mentions “God” three times: at the beginning, middle, and end of the address. Her closing words, “God, my kingdom, and my people!” (Paragraph 5), are the three main ideas she wants to leave with the audience .

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Rhetorical Analysis of Queen Elizabeth I*s Speech at Tilbury

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Queen Elizabeth I: Speech to the Troops at Tilbury. 1

Queen Elizabeth I at Tilbury.  The Armada in the background

Elizabethi.org

QUEEN ELIZABETH I

Tilbury speech.

This speech was given by Queen Elizabeth to her troops, fighting the Spanish Armada, on 9 August 1588 at Tilbury in Essex. My loving people, We have been persuaded by some that are careful of our safety, to take heed how we commit our selves to armed multitudes, for fear of treachery; but I assure you I do not desire to live to distrust my faithful and loving people. Let tyrants fear. I have always so behaved myself that, under God, I have placed my chiefest strength and safeguard in the loyal hearts and good will of my subjects; and therefore I am come amongst you, as you see, at this time, not for my recreation and disport, but being resolved, in the midst and heat of the battle, to live and die amongst you all; to lay down for my God, and for my kingdom, and my people, my honour and my blood, even in the dust. I know I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too, and think foul scorn that Parma or Spain, or any prince of Europe, should dare to invade the borders of my realm! To which rather than any dishonour shall grow by me, I myself will take up arms, I myself will be your general, judge, and rewarder of every one of your virtues in the field. I know already, for your forwardness you have deserved rewards and crowns, and We do assure you in the word of a prince, they shall be duly paid you. In the mean time, my lieutenant general shall be in my stead, than whom never prince commanded a more noble or worthy subject; not doubting but by your obedience to my general, by your concord in the camp, and your valour in the field, we shall shortly have a famous victory over those enemies of my God, of my kingdom, and of my people.

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Queen Elizabeth's Speech at Tilbury Metaphors and Similes

By queen elizabeth i.

These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make your own.

Written by Anastasia  Melnyk

Loyal hearts (metaphor)

Queen Elizabeth I is sure that people will not betray and will not leave her alone on the battlefield. She gives the whole security and power to her faithful hearts. Elizabeth trusts her “loyal hearts” . These hearts is a metaphor of her people. Every heart of a warrior is very kind and strong; every heart loves its queen.

Even in the dust (metaphor)

Talking with her people, Queen Elizabeth I says that she is ready “to lay down her honor and blood in the dust” for the sake of her God, kingdom, and people. This moment shows the queen’s devotion. To lay down honor and blood in the dust means to die for the sake of other people. The queen is ready to sacrifice herself.

Growth of dishonor (metaphor)

“The growth of dishonor” is a metaphor for disgrace and disrespect. Queen Elizabeth I is afraid that her people will abandon her because of her cowardice or will start to disrespect her because of their defeat. Therefore, Elizabeth tries to encourage her troop in every possible way. She wants to fight together with her people against their enemy.

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Queen Elizabeth’s Speech at Tilbury Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Queen Elizabeth’s Speech at Tilbury is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Selection 2 from the speech is an example of which of the following of rhetorical devices?

I don't have numbered selections. I only have the whole speech.

What are the primary rhetorical appeals the Queen uses in the numbered selections?

a. Logos and Ethos

In passage 1, how does Queen Elizabeth l’ use of parallelism reflect the purpose of her speech?

The first paragraph?

We have been persuaded by some that are careful of our safety to take heed how we commit ourselves to armed multitudes, for fear of treachery. But I assure you, I do not desire to live to distrust my faithful and loving...

Study Guide for Queen Elizabeth’s Speech at Tilbury

Queen Elizabeth's Speech at Tilbury study guide contains a biography of Queen Elizabeth I, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

  • About Queen Elizabeth's Speech at Tilbury
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Essays for Queen Elizabeth’s Speech at Tilbury

Queen Elizabeth's Speech at Tilbury essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Queen Elizabeth's Speech at Tilbury by Queen Elizabeth I.

  • The Intersection of Gender, Religion, and Nationalism in Queen Elizabeth's Speech at Tilbury

Wikipedia Entries for Queen Elizabeth’s Speech at Tilbury

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  • Physical appearance at Tilbury
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rhetorical analysis of queen elizabeth's speech at tilbury

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  1. "Speech to the Troops at Tilbury" by Queen Elizabeth I

    rhetorical analysis of queen elizabeth's speech at tilbury

  2. Queen Elizabeth Rhetorical Analysis of Tilbury Speech (400 Words

    rhetorical analysis of queen elizabeth's speech at tilbury

  3. Queen Elizabeth Speech To The Troops At Tilbury Pdf

    rhetorical analysis of queen elizabeth's speech at tilbury

  4. Elizabeth I’s speech at Tilbury

    rhetorical analysis of queen elizabeth's speech at tilbury

  5. Rhetorical Analysis of Queen Elizabeth I*s Speech at Tilbury

    rhetorical analysis of queen elizabeth's speech at tilbury

  6. 🔥 Queen elizabeth speech to the troops at tilbury. Queen Elizabeth

    rhetorical analysis of queen elizabeth's speech at tilbury

COMMENTS

  1. Tilbury Speech Rhetorical Analysis

    The Tilbury Speech is а relatively short speech, with just around 311 words. Queen Elizabeth I begins her speech with а reminder of how England was threatened by the Spanish Armada. The very first line - " My loving people, " - sets the tone for the rest of the speech. It instantly creates а bond between Queen Elizabeth I and her ...

  2. A Short Analysis of Queen Elizabeth I's 'Heart and Stomach of a King

    Queen Elizabeth I's speech to the troops at Tilbury is among the most famous and iconic speeches in English history. On 9 August 1588, Elizabeth addressed the land forces which had been mobilised at the port of Tilbury in Essex, in preparation for the expected invasion of England by the Spanish Armada.. The speech has become inextricably linked with Elizabeth's reign, which is often called ...

  3. Queen Elizabeth's Speech at Tilbury Analysis

    The speech of Queen Elizabeth I to the troops at Tilbury before the battle with the troops of Spain is not just a short account of how the queen begs her army to fight for the country. While reading her speech, readers my encounter considerable of emotions and excitement. Belief in God, her army, and victory proves that miracles always come ...

  4. Queen Elizabeth's Speech to The Troops at Tilbury: a Rhetorical Analysis

    Queen Elizabeth's speech was delivered at Tilbury, a fortification on the Thames River, to boost the morale of her troops and show her commitment to standing alongside them in the face of danger. Rhetorical Devices and Strategies. Queen Elizabeth's speech is a remarkable example of persuasive rhetoric.

  5. Speech To The Troops At Tilbury Rhetorical Analysis Essay on Elizabeth

    Speech To The Troops At Tilbury Rhetorical Analysis. Queen Elizabeth's speech to her troops is a masterclass in rhetoric. She employs numerous rhetorical devices to great effect, making her case for why they should fight against the Spanish Armada. Elizabeth begins by appealing to her troops' sense of duty and patriotism, invoking images of ...

  6. 'I My Self': Queen Elizabeth I's Oration at Tilbury Camp

    she delivered a speech at Tilbury whose phrases, often remarked, were like those of the speech we have. Finally, one of the two surviving texts-BM Harleian MS 6798, ... "Queen Elizabeth's Visit to Tilbury in 1588," English Historical Review 34 (1919): ... rhetorical analysis which follows: Cicero, De oratore, trans. E.W. Sutton and H. Rackham ...

  7. Speech to the Troops at Tilbury

    The Armada Portrait of Elizabeth made to commemorate the defeat of the Spanish Armada (1588), depicted in the background. Elizabeth's international power is symbolised by the hand resting on the globe. Woburn Abbey, Bedfordshire.. The Speech to the Troops at Tilbury was delivered on 9 August Old Style (19 August New Style) 1588 by Queen Elizabeth I of England to the land forces earlier ...

  8. PDF Rhetorical Analysis of Elizabeth's "Speech to the Troops at Tilbury" THESIS

    In times of war, a country requires strong and capable leaders to see them through difficult times. In 1588, Queen Elizabeth I of England gave a motivational speech to her troops using the rhetorical devices diction, imagery, and sentence structure to motivate her subjects positively and to instill the fear of the pending invasion in their minds.

  9. PDF Queen Elizabeth I's Speech to the Troops at Tilbury, 1588

    Queen Elizabeth I's Speech to the Troops at Tilbury, 1588. My loving people, We have been persuaded by some that are careful of our safety, to take heed how we commit ourselves to armed multitudes, for fear of treachery; but I assure you I do not desire to live to distrust my faithful and loving people. Let tyrants fear, I have always so ...

  10. Speech to the Troops at Tilbury Essay Analysis

    Analysis: "Speech to the Troops at Tilbury". Elizabeth I begins the speech by addressing her subjects as " [her] loving people" (Paragraph 1). In doing so, she invokes a depiction of herself as a loving monarch to her subjects—a recurring theme in her writings and speeches. The very setting in which Elizabeth I gave this speech would ...

  11. PDF AP English Language and Composition: Structured Tutorial

    Context: Queen Elizabeth 1 ruled England from 1558-1603. Here, she addresses her land forces at Tilbury in 1588 under imminent threat of invasion by the Spanish Armada. King Phillip II of Spain and his forces were defeated and never reached the shores of England. In a time when men dominated society, Elizabeth successfully ruled England for 45 ...

  12. Queen Elizabeth I's speech to the troops at Tilbury

    As a result, the ageing Robert Dudley was put in charge of the land army at Tilbury, on the Thames, to the east of London in Essex. Dudley arranged for Queen Elizabeth to visit Tilbury to announce his appointment and rally the troops on 9 August 1588. The queen's reported words during that visit has gone down in history. Read it in full below.

  13. Speech to the Troops at Tilbury Literary Devices

    Pathos. Pathos is a literary device by which the speaker or writer chooses words or phrases to stir the audience's emotion. Elizabeth employs pathos in several ways in her speech at Tilbury. Besides repeatedly stating her affection and love for her subjects, she chooses visceral words to move her listeners. "Foul," "scorn," and ...

  14. Rhetorical Analysis of Queen Elizabeth I*s Speech at Tilbury

    *Note: Elizabeth uses the royal "we" and "our" to refer to herself. The "majestic plural" is used to refer to individuals holding high offices. Rhetorical Analysis of Queen Elizabeth I's English III/AP Language Speech at Tilbury and Composition Step 1: Identify the following elements in order to determine the rhetorical situation.

  15. 30 Queen Elizabeth I, Speech to the Troops at Tilbury (1588)

    30 Queen Elizabeth I, Speech to the Troops at Tilbury (1588) 30. Queen Elizabeth I, Speech to the Troops at Tilbury (1588) Speech to the Troops at Tilbury by Queen Elizabeth I. Watch on. Speech to the Troops at Tilbury. Previous: Queen Elizabeth I, "On Monsieur's Departure".

  16. Queen Elizabeth's Speech at Tilbury Literary Elements

    Essays for Queen Elizabeth's Speech at Tilbury. Queen Elizabeth's Speech at Tilbury essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Queen Elizabeth's Speech at Tilbury by Queen Elizabeth I. The Intersection of Gender, Religion, and Nationalism in Queen Elizabeth's ...

  17. Queen Elizabeth's Speech at Tilbury Summary

    Essays for Queen Elizabeth's Speech at Tilbury. Queen Elizabeth's Speech at Tilbury essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Queen Elizabeth's Speech at Tilbury by Queen Elizabeth I. The Intersection of Gender, Religion, and Nationalism in Queen Elizabeth's ...

  18. Queen Elizabeth I: Speech to the Troops at Tilbury

    1. Delivered by Elizabeth to the land forces assembled at Tilbury (Essex) to repel the anticipated invasion of the Spanish Armada, 1588. 2. Robert Dudley, earl of Leicester; he was the queen's favorite, once rumored to be her lover. The Norton Anthology of English Literature. 6 th ed. Vol 1. M.

  19. Rhetorical Analysis Of Queen Elizabeth's Speech At Tilbury

    The Rhetorical Analysis Of Queen Elizabeth's Speech. Queen Elizabeth's Speech records the famous speech which, inspired,lead and motivated the English Army towards victory., who were assembled at Tilbury Camp to defend the country against the Spanish Armada. The successful defence of the Kingdom against the invasion boosted the prestige of ...

  20. Queen Elizabeth I's Tilbury Speech 1588 (The Armada)

    Tilbury Speech. This speech was given by Queen Elizabeth to her troops, fighting the Spanish Armada, on 9 August 1588 at Tilbury in Essex. My loving people, We have been persuaded by some that are careful of our safety, to take heed how we commit our selves to armed multitudes, for fear of treachery; but I assure you I do not desire to live to ...

  21. Queen Elizabeth Rhetorical Analysis of Tilbury Speech

    Download. Queen Elizabeth's speech invigorated the troops and ensured her faith in them and her capability as a leader through the use of repetition, juxtaposition, persuasion, amplification, and diction. In the beginning sentence, Elizabeth includes herself in the fight by using "we" thereby establishing a common ground with the troops.

  22. Queen Elizabeth's Speech at Tilbury Metaphors and Similes

    Essays for Queen Elizabeth's Speech at Tilbury. Queen Elizabeth's Speech at Tilbury essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Queen Elizabeth's Speech at Tilbury by Queen Elizabeth I. The Intersection of Gender, Religion, and Nationalism in Queen Elizabeth's ...