Literature often holds a mirror to the social, political and economic milieu in which it was created; this could not be truer in Elizabethan times. ... Alfred Bill states that despite the "background of forest shepherd and shepherdesses, flocks and herds" political undercurrents make Arcadia "no true pastoral" , this is highly evident in Cleophila's speech. ... 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?" ...

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