Nature+and+the+Countess+of+Pembroke's+Arcadia

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//The Countess of Pembroke’s Arcadia// and it's Impact on 16th Century English Reform

 * by Zach Lubitz**

gggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg **Introduction**

Sir Phillip Sidney implements nature throughout //The Countess of Pembroke’s Arcadia//. Aspects of nature and the use of animals are described in allusion and metaphor, enabling the reader to interpret Sir Phillip Sidney’s text in various ways.

The phoenix is used throughout //Book Two// in //The Countess of Pembroke's Arcadia//. As the Phoenix represents an icon which regenerates, it may be paralleled to a Christ figure. Also, as Mary Sidney continued Sir Philip Sidney's work prior to his death, the literature itself as well as her character may be interpreted as a rebirth. The phoenix also correlates to "fire" as the mythological bird arises from it's own ashes. The use of "fire" and "heat﻿" imagery is used abundantly throughout //Book Two//. Examples include the description of love and jealousy in Chapter 25, the difference described as "two strange fires of equal heat."

Astrology played a large role in the16th Century English Renaissance. As Galileo Galilei and Nostradamus influenced scientific thought, the study of stars became increasingly popular. Star maps were popular in 16th century England, used as means of navigation and a form of art. The use of star imagery in Sir Philip Sidney and Mary Sidney's work, including //Astrophil and Stella//, indicates their avid appeal toward the changing culture in 16th century England.

The relationship between sheep and shepherd is most popularly known in //The Bible//. For this reason, its usage in //The Countess of Pembroke's Arcadia// is apparent as the Protestant Reformation was a defining movement in late 16th century England. The use of sheep and shepherds in Sidney's work may also represent the relationship between Queen Elizabeth I and the country of England. As Urania is considered a "noble shepherdess," overseer of Claius and Strephon, a mimic of Queen Elizabeth's character may be illustrated.

gggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg **Conclusion**

As //The Countess of Pembroke's Arcadia: The New Arcadia// represents a counterpart to //The Old Arcadia//, the use of nature may symbolize the counteraction between the pastoral and the court. This difference is one which depicts reformation through literature. As the court may have lost a sense of power because of the Sidney's literature, Queen Elizabeth's expulsion of Mary may have resulted. The Elizabethan ideal in regards to marriage however suggested that it would be unwise to marry for love. This ideal was prominent within the Sidney family as they were borderline incestuous. The ambiguity which presents itself in both Philip and Mary's work is apparent. Their relationship with Queen Elizabeth is unclear as it may be argued that they both supported and detested her rule.