“TWA QUEENS. WAN GREEN ISLAND”: NATIONALIST AND FEMINIST ISSUES IN LIZ LOCHHEAD’S MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS HAD HER HEAD CHOPPED OFF

Abstract

From the very first description of the two kingdoms on an island in Lochhead’s play, a striking difference between them is perceived: England is described in terms of the order established and prosperity granted by its intelligent monarch, Elizabeth, whereas the Scottish insecure and problematic position is epitomized through the personal characteristics of its ruler – a beautiful lady, a foreigner, most commonly perceived as the last Queen of an independent Scotland, making an effort to rule the divided country. Inclined towards Catholicism, politically inexperienced and unskilled, Mary fails to recognize the fact well known to her powerful Protestant cousin, Elizabeth – a proper queen has to rule the kingdom with her head, and not with her heart. Written for the performance of the Communicado Theatre Company in 1987, as a tribute to the fourth hundred anniversary of Mary, Queen of Scots’ death, Lochhead’s play establishes the connection between the burning political issues in XVI and XX century Scotland. By relying on the critical insights of Finlayson, Greenblatt, Gonzales, Butler and Lochhead herself, the paper examines the nationalist and feminist issues in the play, as well as their relevance for the understanding of the Scottish identity.

Key words: nationalism, feminism, stereotype, Reformation, Protestantism, Catholicism