Revising Mary Queen of Scots: from Protestant Persecution to Patriarchal Struggle

Since Mary Queen of Scots’ execution in 1587, she has become a symbol Scottish identity, failed female leadership, and Catholic martyrdom. Throughout the twentieth century, was regularly depicted on screen (Ford, 1936; Froelich, 1940; Jarrott, 1971) as thrice-wed queen, unable to rule her country due feminine nature roots. However, with rise third wave feminism postfeminism media, coupled increased influence directors writers, Mary’s characterization shifted from portraying female/emotional weakness religious sacrifice female/collaborative strength hardship struggle against patriarchal prejudice. Josie Rourke’s film Scots (2018) CW’s Reign (2013-2017) present queen who is no longer limited identity martyr, consequently weak ruler. Instead division mostly sidelined, gendered politics central struggle, highlighting similarities between Elizabeth I England, where previous films presented opposites. Together, these two productions transform narrative fragility religion, into misogynistic control powerful women.