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Interpretations B and C both focus on the threat which Mary Queen of Scots posed to Elizabeth - OCR Gateway - GCSE History - Question 7 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 7
Interpretations B and C both focus on the threat which Mary Queen of Scots posed to Elizabeth. How far do they differ and what might explain any differences? Interp... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Interpretations B and C both focus on the threat which Mary Queen of Scots posed to Elizabeth - OCR Gateway - GCSE History - Question 7 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
How far do they differ?
Answer
To analyze how far Interpretations B and C differ in their view of the threat posed by Mary Queen of Scots to Elizabeth, we should consider the portrayal and emphasis each interpretation places on historical events and motivations.
Interpretation B presents the perspective that the conspiracies attributed to Mary are exaggerated and based on Protestant bias. It suggests that historical events surrounding her are not substantiated by credible evidence, pointing to the lack of proof regarding any plot to assassinate Elizabeth. Furthermore, it emphasizes Mary's noble character, claiming she acted honorably during her trial and did not intend to harm Elizabeth.
In contrast, Interpretation C might present evidence of concrete threats or plots attributed to Mary, thus portraying her as a significant danger to Elizabeth's rule. By discussing the implications of her claims and actions, Interpretation C may argue for a more perilous view of Mary’s position. The key difference lies in the portrayal of Mary: as either a victim of Protestant propaganda in B or a genuine threat in C.
Step 2
What might explain any differences?
Answer
The differences between Interpretations B and C can be explained by the various historical contexts and biases of the sources from which they originate. Interpretation B, which comes from a Catholic Encyclopaedia, may seek to present Mary in a favorable light, emphasizing her nobility and innocence to counteract Protestant narratives that depict her as a dangerous figure.
Conversely, Interpretation C may derive from Protestant sources that highlight the extent of the threats posed by Mary to bolster the legitimacy of Elizabeth's reign. Additionally, the objective of each interpretation influences the portrayal: B seeks to vindicate Mary's legacy, while C may aim to emphasize the insecurities of Elizabethan rule due to Mary's presence.
These differing objectives can lead to fundamentally different interpretations of the same historical events, ultimately demonstrating how perspectives can shape our understanding of history.
