"The Heart and Stomach of a King"--A Review

Paper Summary:

This paper reviews Carol Levin's biography of Queen Elizabeth I, which explores issues of gender and politics in addition to Elizabeth's life. The reviewer describes Levin's book as combining historiography with deft historical, psychological, and social analysis. The reviewer expresses appreciation for Levin's use of primary sources, which allow the reader to get a fuller understanding of Elizabeth I. The reviewer concludes by stating that Levin created a scholarly biography of Queen Elizabeth I, placing the Queen in a historical perspective. Levin also showed how Elizabeth crafted her public image in light of prevailing gender norms.

From the Paper:

"The scope of Levin's book is extraordinary given its length. For example, the author explores the general issue of image management and public relations through the model of Elizabeth I while at the same time offering readers a synopsis of the Queen's personal and political life. While Elizabeth assumed the "heart and stomach of a king," she simultaneously cultivated an image of ideal femininity. Her ability to blend masculine and feminine traits in her persona and public image were keys to her power and success. In Chapter 6, "Elizabeth as King and Queen," the author shows how the Queen "took on what might be perceived as the male role, certainly the position of power," in her sexual relationships and in her public life. Levin backs up her argument not only with primary source data and evidence but also with allusions to contemporaneous literature, Shakespeare in particular. Shakespeare, although not officially a historian, nevertheless offered poignant social, political, and historical commentary about sixteenth-century England and Europe. Levin refers to Shakespeare to illustrate the prevailing conceptions of gender, gender roles, and gender-bending in sixteenth-century England. Placing Elizabeth I into perspective and incorporating social and political context into the Queen's life emerges as one of the main strengths of Levin's work. The author achieves a strong contextualization of Elizabeth through an examination of contemporaneous gender roles and norms. Thus, Shakespeare becomes a valid window with which to view Elizabethan-era British society."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Levin, Carole. The Heart and Stomach of a King. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1994.

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