Virginity vs. Marriage

Elizabeth's decision to remain a virgin protected her in many ways. Firstly, by avoiding marriage, she was able to be her own master and answer only to God. After England became Protestant, her virginity made her an almost holy figure, and the image of the Virgin Queen took the place of the Virgin Mary in the minds of the people of England. By remaining a virgin and not marrying, Elizabeth was married to England and considered all her subjects her children. Her single status meant she and England would never be subject to an unjust, foreign King like they had been in Mary's reign. While marriage was sanctified in the eyes of God, Elizabeth's virginity made her holy in her own right. Her virginity made Elizabeth invincible; she was subject to no one; therefore, England would be subject to no one. It made her pure and...