It would appear that Sidney has conformed to worshiping the glory of Elizabeth, or is he, like Elizabeth batting his desired with flattery before revealing a more sinister motive? ... His friend Philanax illuminates the lunacy of Basilius's plan: "Why should you deprive yourself of governing your dukedom for fear of loosing your dukedom, like one that should kill himself for fear of death?" ... Whether you look into the mirrors of The Old Arcadia and see Elizabeth's kingdom in decay, yearning for strong leadership, or a stalwart monarch conforming to traditional ideas of femininity, ...

• Word Count: 1452
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Graduate

In the face of Roderigo's urgent persuasions, Violenta claims to be "a maidwho knows the the true estimation of virtue" and counters his dramatic claims of death by simply stating, "You very eloquently tell me you shall die if I continue unkind; but I very plainly tell your Lordship, that I must perish if I prove otherwise: since I know it will be impossible for me to live after the loss of my honor" (146). ... Though sexual chastity may have been considered an entity "whose price was inestimable" it certainly was not above being traded like a material commod...

• Word Count: 1986
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: Graduate