Portayal of Thomas Cromwell in Hilary Mantel's novels Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies

Bc. Mária Baranová

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Tato diplomová práce se zaměřuje na Thomase Cromwella jako postavu historických románů Wolf Hall a Předveďte mrtvé (Bring Up the Bodies) od Hilary Mantelové. Práce sleduje roli, kterou Cromwell sehráva v vzestupu a pádu Anny Boleynové, stejně jako jeho skryté záměry v této záležitosti. Práce také analyzuje způsoby, které Cromwell používá pro získaní vlivu a moci, metody které aplikuje k prosazení různých cílů a manipulaci lidí a jeho snahy o zajištění blaha anglické monarchie. Kromě toho práce zkoumá kontrast mezi Cromwellovou veřejnou a soukromou tváří, stejně jako proces, v kterém jeho soukromá tvář postupně mizí a je zcela nahrazena tváří veřejnou.

Abstract:

This thesis focuses on Thomas Cromwell as a character of Hilary Mantel’s historical novels Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies. It follows Cromwell’s role in the rise and fall of Anne Boleyn, as well as the intentions behind his involvement in this matter. It analyses the approaches he employs to gain influence and power, methods he applies to enforce various goals and handle different people, and his efforts to secure and preserve the welfare of English monarchy. In addition, it examines the contrast between Cromwell’s public and private face. While his public face is depicted as impenetrable and often inducing respect and fear, his private face emerges as kind and loving. After the death of his wife, Cromwell struggles to handle this loss. When he finally reaches closure, his private face gradually diminishes and is fully replaced by the public one.

Keywords

Thomas Cromwell, Hilary Mantel, Wolf Hall, Bring Up the Bodies, character analysis

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 23. 5. 2016

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 17. 6. 2016
• Supervisor: prof. Mgr. Milada Franková, CSc.
• Reader: Mgr. Filip Krajník, Ph.D.

Masaryk University

Faculty of Arts

Master programme / field:
Philology / English Language and Literature