Sunday, December 1, 2013

An Interview with Amy Licence

Funeral effigy of Queen Elizabeth of York, 1503
More about Elizabeth of York from Amy Licence, author of another recent biography of the eldest daughter of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville. To quote:
I don’t know if Elizabeth’s position allowed her the luxury of love. While there are many notable exceptions, particularly her own parents and son, the companionate marriage was a later phenomenon and duty often had to override personal inclination. I’m not denying Elizabeth’s humanity or capacity for love but maybe she approached these men in a different way. What constitutes love? It may be as different for individuals then as it is today. Perhaps part of these men’s attraction lay in the role and status they could offer: they had the whole package, including the crown. This doesn’t mean Elizabeth was mercenary but that she made shrewd alliances which were appropriate to her own status. From what I’ve read, I believe her marriage with Henry was a successful one, with them working in a partnership and being united at time of danger and grief. Her pulse may not have raced when he came into the room but their mutual goals kept them close; what was good for one was good for the other. Henry’s reaction to Elizabeth’s death also suggests genuine grief. (Read more.)
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1 comment:

Sassy Countess said...

This is a great article. Well worth reading!