Analysis Of John Knox's 'First Blast Of The Trumpet'

Female rulers such as Queen Elizabeth I had to rule with an unwavering assertiveness and shrewdness to maintain dominance over the chauvinistic opposition.

In document one, John Knox argues that women are “utterly forbidden” to hold a position of power over men, and to do so is “against all Nature”. Regardless of competence, the gender of the ruler, as Knox believed, is the most essential factor that will determine the outcome of a country. However, before 1558 when Knox wrote his “First Blast of the Trumpet …” Scotland had intermittent warfare with England. As a Scott, Knox’s biased distaste for the Queen of England stems from his resentment of the dispute between Scotland and England. The view of women in power comes from his religion, Calvinism, due to

him citing the Holy Ghost expressing, “I suffer not a woman to usurp authority above the man” as his evidence that women should not rule.
The belief that women are inferior and obligated to subject to men was found not in a minority of displeased men, but rather by prominent people such as the bishops of the Church of England as well. In “The Second Book of Homilies” produced by the bishops in document two asserts that wives “must obey their husbands, and cease from commanding”. Although, the idea that their own Queen must act as a subordinate to another person would demean her importance indicates how prevalent this belief was during Elizabeth I’s reign. Yet Elizabeth allows the publication of this book because by deliberately hindering the progress of choosing a husband, and later declaring that she would not marry, therefore allows her the freedom from sharing her political power with a man. The cleverness and strategic thinking of Elizabeth I’s decisions caused her to avoid losing control over England if she had married; an example of how Elizabeth had to overcome those who attempted to diminish her control due to expected social roles.
In addition, to continue exercising control as the sovereign of her country, Elizabeth exhibited complete dominance and power over her Parliament. In document four, Jacques Bochetel, a French ambassador whose country had also been at war with England before, clearly recognizes the Parliament’s disapproval of Elizabeth as the ruler of England when he states that they were “wishing her to dig her grave before she was dead”. Nevertheless, Elizabeth emphasizes her power over her Parliament by declaring that their petition on her succession was useless “without [her] consent and authority” and that she would “do nothing but according to [her] pleasure”.
The confrontation between Elizabeth and her parliament was not the only instance of her display of power as Queen. Document five presents a painting of Elizabeth standing on top of the map of Europe with extravagant clothing on. As the English court painter commissioned by Elizabeth, they must portray her based on her requests. Thus, creating propaganda to promote the political power of Elizabeth, and reinforce her image among her subjects that although she is a woman, she has the power to prevail over England, and affect all of Europe. Elizabeth also displays the strength to rule and protect her country in her speech to her troops in document seven. It is during this speech where she defends her ability to lead her country to victory by stating “I have the heart and stomach of a king” with deep loyalty and confidence.
Those who knew Elizabeth such as William Tooker in document six described her dedicated and selfless actions for the sick with awe, but due to their personal connection, Tooker’s description is biased.

William Tooker believes that Elizabeth has the ability to heal the sick by conducting the “touching ceremony”, and therefore he believes in the power of Elizabeth as a ruler.

As a result of the animosity for a female ruler with no husband, Elizabeth I was forced to decide and act with great caution, otherwise she would lose her political power as the sovereign of England.

Categorizing human beings to have their own set of duties is a method used in order to create an organized and functional society. The duties created for men and women in their role in society have been apparent in European history. During the Renaissance, The Book of Courtier explains that men must participate in scholarly, political, and civic activities while the roles of women are limited to taking care of the children and household. Scripture depicts a similar idea of social roles in terms of authority between women and men which have influenced the attitudes of society, especially when religion plays a significant role in peoples’

lives.