MovieChat Forums > The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex (1939) Discussion > Why did Elizabeth want the ring so badly...

Why did Elizabeth want the ring so badly?


What was the significance of the ring? I missed that part.

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Earlier in the film Elizabeth gives Essex one of her rings to remind him of her. She explains that her father (King Henry VIII) gave her that ring with the instructions that she should present it to him if he was ever cross at her. She says that she once had to give the ring to her father and it did get her out of trouble. So when she begged Essex to give her the ring later in the film it was so that he could save himself, like Elizabeth had done with her father. By giving her the ring he would be admitting that he needs her help and she would stop the execution. But because Essex was so proud he wouldn't give her the ring because giving Elizabeth the ring would have been an acceptance of her power over him.

Does that make sense?

Hector Barbossa; now that's a pirate!

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Yes, totally! Thank you!

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