ABSTRACT
This chapter discussed the depiction of private and public honour in the masques held in honour of Prince Henry’s investiture ceremony, that is, his creation as the Prince of Wales. Of the many events thrown to celebrate this important occasion, the texts and costumes of two specific masques come under discussion: Tethys’ Festival and Speeches at Prince Henry’s Barriers. Prince Henry was fundamentally opposed to the views of masculinity held by his father, and the literary and visual devices employed by the playwrights and set designer manifest the tension between these two opposing parties. Sidney, who was a prominent member of the Stuart court and a documented participant for majority of the investiture celebrations, serves as a unique counterpoint opposite these warring ideologies of masculinity. The analysis of Sidney’s philosophies from the previous chapters demonstrates the gradual change in opinion he underwent, from a dedicated proponent of active masculinity to an advocate of private honour seen in this chapter. This change in attitude is reflected in the performance of masculinity during James’ reign where private honour incorporates even more feminine qualities than it did under Elizabeth, as though to counteract the militant position adopted by James’ detractors, including his heir.
