Issues
Being a female in a male dominated world is already overwhelming, but imagine being a woman and being THE ruler. All of the attributes and expectations of a woman tied up with those of a person of power. Both Cleopatra and Queen Elizabeth had to adapt to being a female ruler without someone to guide them along the way. There was no sympathy for them, even though they were in unfamiliar territory, and some believed they were hormone driven monsters. Mary Nyquist has taken the time to research for us why they are referred to, as the term she uses, "Barbarians."
"Though the sex to which I belong is considered weak you will nevertheless find me a rock that bends to no wind."
- Elizabeth I
Nyquist found that Elizabeth I is described as being, "placed in competition with a number of non-European "Barbaric" female rulers, all of whom she gloriously outshines." Rather than seeing her as a strong and couargeous ruler she was deemed to be heartless and power driven. Although this may seem true upon first glance, as a woman in power it was important for her to hold on to it as long as she could. Even at the expense of losing the woman within herself. In my opinion, being willing to unsex yourself to protect your people is the most loyal leader a people could've had and far from a barbarian.
QUEEN ELIZABETH I
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