The Virgin's Lover ~ Discussion Question #5

Bucsnpats · **The Virgin's Lover ~ Discussion Question #5**

There are so many good questions in the back of the book...it is so hard to only pick 5....

What are your opinions of Amy? Would you have acted the same as she did?

Do you think Elizabeth knew that Cecil was referring to Amy when he told her that if he carried out his plan to prevent her from marrying Dudley, one person would die?

Do you believe that Dudley is truly remorseful that Amy is dead, or is it more about the circumstances of her death and what it means for his political ambitions?

History has remember Elizabeth as one of England's greatest rulers. What is your opinion after reading this book?

Claire · 07-24-2007, 09:51 AM

What are your opinions of Amy? Would you have acted the same as she did?

No, I would not have acted as she did, but we live in a different time when things are a bit different. Like most modern women, I would have divorced his butt! But, things are easier now. I don't know whether that is good or bad at times though.

Do you think Elizabeth knew that Cecil was referring to Amy when he told her that if he carried out his plan to prevent her from marrying Dudley, one person would die?

No, I think he had every intention of killing Dudley. He hated him. I think it just didn't work out that way for him, but I do think that would have been his first choice.

Do you believe that Dudley is truly remorseful that Amy is dead, or is it more about the circumstances of her death and what it means for his political ambitions?

I think a little of both. I do think he loved her when he was younger and "foolish" before the political stuff got in the way. For that he probably was remorseful, but I do think mostly he was remorseful for what he lost.

History has remember Elizabeth as one of England's greatest rulers. What is your opinion after reading this book?

Yes and no. I do try to remind myself this is historical FICTION. Plus, this was at the beginning of her reign when she was probably a bit naive. I do think later she would have learned how to rule. After all, she was only 25 when she took over, right? I can't imagine controlling the most important country in the world at that time, or darn close to it, with a lot of religious issues going on and only being 25! I know I would not have been ready. But, yes, it did change my view, but I am trying NOT to let it do that too much.

Bucsnpats · 07-29-2007, 09:14 AM

What are your opinions of Amy? Would you have acted the same as she did?

I liked her, but, again, thought she was very naive, she could have had it "all" but chose to stay "simple" thinking her husband would see things her way. Which he NEVER did not intended to do. It probably would have been easier on her if he had died in the tower....and NO I would not have acted the way she did either. I would have divorced his butt too....but in those times you did what your husband wanted you too and that is what I mean by her having it "all"....nice house, etc...even if he was "with" the Queen.

Do you think Elizabeth knew that Cecil was referring to Amy when he told her that if he carried out his plan to prevent her from marrying Dudley, one person would die?

The way the book explains it...or the way I interpreted it...Yes she knew it was AMY, by giving Cecil Dudley's ring and saying the things she said to the others.... But maybe she did think it was Dudley that would die...I don't know.... When I googled that part of History...it is implied that she knew exactly what was going to happen....

Do you believe that Dudley is truly remorseful that Amy is dead, or is it more about the circumstances of her death and what it means for his political ambitions?

Yes, a little of both, I agree with you again on this one!!

History has remember Elizabeth as one of England's greatest rulers. What is your opinion after reading this book?

I have to admit that I don't know a whole lot about her time as Queen, except that she goes down as one of the greatest rulers. I think this is a classic case of everything happens for a reason. Why wasn't she just killed in the tower?? She would have NEVER been Queen if that had happened. Was it truly because her sister couldn't bare to kill her own sibling??? But then why did Dudley escape death as well??? I don't know but it is all very interesting.....that two people go from the Tower to one ruling the country for many many years...and the other very close to it.....