The rest of Part 1 of the book Monarch: The Life and Reign of Elizabeth II has actually disappointingly little to do with the Queen herself. Mainly, it highlights the generations leading up to Elizabeth: King Edward VII and King George V, Elizabeth II's grandfather. The second part of the book continues with the generations more closely related to the current Queen, with her Uncle David who would become King Edward VIII and her father who would be King George VI. Elizabeth is not introduced until chapeter 5. She is described as the perfect little child, always well behaved and more like an adult than a kid. However, she does manage to blend some youthful spirit into an upbringing that groomed her for royal etiquette. It is said she replied, as a nine-year-old, to the Archbishop of Canterbury's request that she take a walk with him: "Yes, very much... But please do not tell me anything more about God. I know all about him already" (94). Other accounts show that the young Princess Elizabeth loved to be the center of attention and was "'almost as pleased' to see her mother as if the duchess had been 'quite a large crowd'" (83). I think that it is very interesting that someone who grew up always being revered and cherished did not become a snobbish, spoiled little girl. In fact, she has done the opposite and learned from her Uncle David's self-centered abdication. A family friend said, "'Her Uncle let the side down, he put personal pleasure before his duties. She has deliberately done the reverse'" (104). This highlights her decision to become not a celebrity, but a servant of her country.
Lacey, Robert. Monarch:The Life and Reign of Elizabeth II. New York: The Free Press, 2002.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
I agree that it seems wierd that the book is about Queen Elizabeth and yet she's not introduced until chapter 5. I do agree with you on the descriptions about the Queen. This book seems really interesting! Great job!
I agree that it is amazing that Elizabeth was able to avoid becoming a spoiled brat, but I feel that is not much better when a child acts more like an adult. I think it's kind of sad that, due to her position, she must be a little adult, despite being only nine years old. It's like what we discussed in AP Euro, how Rousseau believes that children should be treated as the age they are and not dressed up and forced to act years older.
Yea it actually is really amazing that Queen Elizabeth didn't grow up to be a snob. As a fellow AP Euro student all I have to say it, "How many Edwards can there be?" Maybe I'm completely off, maybe theres not that many I can't keep track. Anyways, with learning about all these kings and queens in Europe it really is interesting how different they all are. Some grow up as timid worried leaders, others take control and move much to fast, some are loved by their nation, others not, some are snobby and others aren't. It really in amazing and Elizabeth is such a renown queen. I think she handled herself as a young girl very well, she could take care of the official stuff but not become a brat.
This book seems interesting...at least at the part you have gotten to that is actually about Queen Elizabeth! I enjoy hearing that she wasn't a snobby little girl, like so many wealthy girls have become. Keep it up!
Post a Comment