Critical analysis essay over Wolf Hall by Hillary Mantel
10 views 0 purchase
Course
Engels
Level
VWO / Gymnasium
Book
Wolf Hall
A very comprehensive analysis essay at VWO level that expands the book Wolf Hall by Hillary Mantel and puts it in context by linking with the characters in the book, the writer and the society described. Includes reference list.
Critical analysis essay over Wolf Hall by Hillary Mantel
All for this textbook (2)
Written for
Secondary school
VWO / Gymnasium
Engels
5
All documents for this subject (934)
Seller
Follow
Sosa01
Reviews received
Content preview
Bias in History
How Wolf Hall Comments on the Credibility of Recorded
History
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel is a work of historical fiction regarding the
English reformation seen through the eyes of Thomas Cromwell, a man of
common origin who rises through the ranks of the court of Henry the
Eighth. Many characters in Wolf Hall are important sources on the English
Reformation for modern historians. Wolf Hall shows how histories like this
one are altered by the recorders of it and how certain events are
mythologized over time; Wolf Hall is a commentary on the way history is
recorded.
Wolf Hall deliberately shows the reader how history is exaggerated and
mythologized. In Wolf Hall, the reader sees historical events taking place
in this fictional narrative and gets to know the characters of this history.
Later in the book, when these events have passed and the characters
have died, literature and plays about these events are shown that
contradict or exaggerate the facts. This way, Mantel implies that in the
actual world history is also crooked and misrepresented. This is most
notable in the multiple plays about cardinal Wolsey presented in the book:
“The cardinal lies on his back, a crimson mountain; he flails his
hands; he offers his bishopric of Winchester to anyone who can get
him on his mule. Some students, under a frame draped with donkey
skins, enact the mule, which turns about and jokes in Latin, and farts
in the cardinal’s face.” (p. 236, Mantel, 2009)
This play contradicts the view of the narrator, Thomas Cromwell, who sees
the cardinal as an intelligent and compassionate man. Wolsey indulges in
fancy clothing and implies to have several bastards, but he has done a lot
of good for Britain overall. After the cardinal’s death, plays about him
become more dramatic and exaggerated:
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller Sosa01. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $5.39. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
