University of Massachusetts Amherst:Course Website

Romancing the Renaissance:
the Feminization of Early Modern Culture in Twentieth Century Mass Media

English 339

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Robert Devereux
Rebecca Pullia

 

Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, was born in Netherwood, England, in 1566 to Lettice Knolys and her husband, the 1st Earl of Essex, Walter Devereux. In 1578, his widowed mother remarried Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, and the two Roberts shared a close relationship up until Dudley's death in 1588. Essex achieved greatness due to his military accomplishments, making him one of Queen Elizabeth's favorites (much like his stepfather, who was said to have been the Queen's former lover). He led a successful expedition against Cádiz, Spain, yet failed to capture the Azores and destroy the Spanish fleet in 1597. He journeyed to Ireland in 1599, at the onset of the Irish rebellion. Without authorization, he formed a truce with the Irish leader Tyrone, which infuriated the Queen. He was charged with contempt and disobedience in June 1600, and was placed under house arrest. After his release, he attempted to rebel against the throne with the purpose of forcing the Queen to oust his enemies from her council. Queen Elizabeth, in turn, had him arrested and imprisoned, and later signed the warrant for his execution. He was beheaded in 1601.

 

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