What is the theme in The Life of Elizabeth I by Alison Weir?

Virginity vs. marriage is a major theme. Elizabeth's decision to remain a virgin protected her in many ways. Firstly, by avoiding marriage, she was able to be her own master and answer only to God. After England became Protestant, her virginity made her an almost holy figure, and the image of the Virgin Queen took the place of the Virgin Mary in the minds of the people of England. By remaining a virgin and not marrying, Elizabeth was married to England and considered all her subjects her children. Her single status meant she and England would never be subject to an unjust, foreign King like they had been in Mary's reign. While marriage was sanctified in the eyes of God, Elizabeth's virginity made her holy in her own right.