The Positive:
* Prestige and Patronage: Queen Elizabeth's patronage was highly sought after, and having her attend a performance would be a massive boost to Shakespeare's career. It would signify royal approval, increase his reputation, and potentially lead to further commissions and financial rewards.
* Opportunity for Recognition: Having the Queen present provided an excellent opportunity for Shakespeare to showcase his talent and gain recognition from the most powerful person in the land. This could have led to his works being performed in front of other influential individuals, opening doors for future success.
* Royal Feedback: While not explicitly stated, it's possible that Shakespeare valued the Queen's opinion and may have used her attendance as a gauge for his work's success. Her reactions, whether positive or negative, would have held significant weight.
The Potential Negative:
* Pressure and Expectations: Performing for royalty could have brought immense pressure. Shakespeare would have felt the weight of expectation to deliver a performance that met the Queen's standards and entertained the court.
* Political Sensitivity: Some of Shakespeare's plays dealt with sensitive topics like monarchy, power, and even potential criticism of the ruling class. He may have worried about the Queen's reaction to these themes, especially if they were perceived as too bold or controversial.
* Fear of Disfavor: Although the Queen was known for her patronage of the arts, she could also be unforgiving towards those who displeased her. Shakespeare might have feared that a poorly received play could lead to royal disfavor, impacting his career.
Overall:
It's likely that Shakespeare saw Queen Elizabeth I's attendance as both a blessing and a challenge. He understood the potential benefits of royal patronage and the prestige it could bring, but also recognized the inherent risks and the pressure to deliver a successful performance.
It's important to note that the relationship between a playwright and their patron was complex and often unspoken. While we can speculate on Shakespeare's feelings, we can never truly know what went through his mind when the Queen graced his plays with her presence.