1. Is it possible to judge Elizabeth's political and personal behavior from such a historical distance? How do the mores of her time warp our understanding?

2. Is it valid to draw comparisons between the situation Elizabeth faced - particularly when it came to choosing a consort - and the situation facing a powerful woman today? Are there any other lessons today's politicians could draw from her reign, and her techniques?

3. Do you think Elizabeth really did want to marry, or did her relationship with Robert Dudley (anomalous though it might be) satisfy all her needs in greater safety? How easy is it for us, today, to relate to the emotional side of her story?

4. Why are we so fascinated by the question of Elizabeth's virginity, and is it a serious topic for historical study?

5. How does the relationship of Elizabeth and Leicester challenge our expectations of the conventional romantic story?

6. Which of the screen versions of Elizabeth's romantic life seems to you the most realistic? The TV version with Helen Mirren and Jeremy Irons, which took the unusual step of daring to present them as mature lovers, with most of the passion spent? Or Cate Blanchett and Joseph Fiennes in Elizabeth? Do you think that the sequel, Golden Age, borrows the themes of the triangular relationship between Elizabeth, Leicester and Lettice for its tale of the queen, Raleigh, and Bess Throckmorton?

7. Which aspects of Elizabeth's life have been dealt with least successfully by the fictional versions on both page and screen? The blending of political and personal? The uncertainty about her sexual story?

8. Why is it so difficult to put conspiracy theories such as the murder of Amy Dudley, assassination of JFK, and the death of Lady Diana? How do people use particular theories for political or social advantage?