IndexIntroductionThemesStructureLanguageConclusionIntroduction"On Monsieurs Departure" is a poem written by Elizabeth I, Queen of England and Ireland from 1558 to 1603. This poem was written during a period of great political and religious unrest, as Elizabeth I was one of the last Protestant monarchs in predominantly Catholic Europe. In this essay we will analyze the themes, structure, and language used in "On Monsieurs Departure" to gain a deeper understanding of the poem and its meaning. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayThemesOne of the major themes explored in "On Monsieurs Departure" is the conflict between duty and personal desire. Elizabeth I, as queen, was constantly torn between her obligations as a sovereign and her desire for personal happiness. This conflict is evident in the lines: “I grieve and dare not show my discontent, / I love and yet am forced to seem to hate.” Here, the Queen expresses her inner turmoil at having to hide her true feelings and pretend to hate someone she truly loves. Another theme present in the poem is the weight of power and the loneliness that comes with it. Elizabeth I was known for her strong leadership and independent nature, and "On Monsieurs Departure" reflects the isolation she often felt as a monarch. The phrase “I am and not, I freeze and yet I am burned” conveys the contradictory emotions of being in a position of power, where one can feel numb and overwhelmed at the same time. Structure The structure of "On Monsieurs Departure" is that of a sonnet, a fourteen-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme and meter. However, Elizabeth I departs from the traditional structure of a sonnet by using irregular line lengths and variable line endings. This deviation from the norm reflects the queen's rebellion against society's expectations and her desire to freely express her personal emotions. The poem is divided into three quatrains and a couplet, with each quatrain exploring a different aspect of the queen's emotions. The first quatrain establishes the conflict between duty and desire, the second quatrain delves into the weight of power and the third quatrain expresses the queen's desire for liberation. The couplet serves as a conclusion, summarizing the queen's internal struggle and her ultimate acceptance of her role as monarch. Language The language used in "On Monsieurs Departure" is rich in imagery and symbolism. Elizabeth I uses metaphors to convey her complex emotions and the challenges she faces as ruler. For example, the line “I am and am not, I freeze and yet I am burned” uses contrasting imagery to represent the queen's conflicting feelings. The use of paradoxical language emphasizes the inner turmoil he experiences. The poem also contains religious imagery, reflecting the religious tensions of the time. Elizabeth I, as a Protestant monarch, was constantly threatened by Catholic factions seeking to overthrow her. The lines "You cannot torment me with an inconstant mind, / for my life depends on your revolt", suggest the Queen's trust in God and her trust in divine providence to protect her from her enemies. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Conclusion In “On Monsieurs Departure,” Elizabeth I offers a glimpse into her personal struggles as a powerful female ruler. Through themes of duty and desire, the weight of power and the language of paradox and religious imagery, the Queen conveys the complexity of her position and.