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영어

This article is a study on the intellectual origin of Queen Elizabeth I's celibacy both by examining her academic background and by analyzing her own statements. Unlike other historians' works which have been focused on the exteriors of Elizabethan politics, this monograph discloses the invisible connection between Elizabeth's political strategies and her intelligence.
Queen Elizabeth decided not to marry although she was supposed to marry in order to fulfill her responsibility for the dynasty. Her celibacy was unusual even without mentioning that marriage was women's destiny by the norms of 16th-century society. Elizabeth used her virginity as an effective weapon to be a successful ruler, dedicating herself to politics. Her success as a ruler was largely dependent on her education. Indeed, Elizabeth's humanist education was pivotal in developing her political strategies including her celibacy.
More specifically, by the intellectual influence of Plato, Elizabeth set her goals to be a successful monarch in history, adopting various political tactics to fulfill her ambition. Plato, who showed an idealistic model of the "philosopher-king" with his emphasis on the celibacy of a ruler and the equality between men and women in politics in The Republic, was a strong inspiration to Elizabeth in pursuing fame and glory as a ruler by choosing celibacy.
In short, several conclusions can be made about Queen Elizabeth's celibacy. First, Elizabeth was significantly influenced by Plato's ideas in shaping her statecraft, particularly in choosing her celibacy.
Second, her ultimate goal as a ruler was to leave her monumental fame in history and in fact she won her reputation as a great queen of England. Third, Elizabeth showed her consciousness of her gender as a woman and her sense of equality between the sexes in politics, trying to follow the examples of her role models such as Alexander the Great in history. Lastly, Elizabeth demonstrated her capabilities in politics and diplomacy as a single woman, creating a unique identity as a virgin queen by rejecting marriage.