I do think that's one of the reasons we're still fascinated with the Tudors--their stories revolve around passion and betrayal, marriage and divorce, and the perils of absolute power. But their lives were lived in such a brutal, unjust age, and that ramps up the drama.
I remember practically holding my breath while reading Anne Boleyn's death scene in Mantel's Bring Up the Bodies--even though of course I knew what would happen! In the case of Mantel, the writing is extraordinary; she somehow manages to build tension and dread, despite the foreseen outcome. I wonder if we keep returning to this story because there is some strange mix of comfort in foreknowing, but excitement in seeing it all play out? I'm not sure, but you're right, the Tudors remain endlessly appealing!
So much to think about here, Martha Jean. As I read, I realized how ubiquitous the Tudor story is, unconsciously immediately familiar and so that it's been a fountain for fresh interpretation and creativity. As you point out, it's not so much the facts of a Tudor reign on a faraway British island, but the mystique that's grown around it - that makes it continue to be relevant. Just makes me smile!
I don't disagree with your claims about the brutality and injustice of the Tudor period, but I would say those characteristics are ones that many contemporary individuals sense might be revisited in a lost democracy. Drama redux.
What is there not in all of these tales that doesn't pair with our contemporary experiences?
I do think that's one of the reasons we're still fascinated with the Tudors--their stories revolve around passion and betrayal, marriage and divorce, and the perils of absolute power. But their lives were lived in such a brutal, unjust age, and that ramps up the drama.
I remember practically holding my breath while reading Anne Boleyn's death scene in Mantel's Bring Up the Bodies--even though of course I knew what would happen! In the case of Mantel, the writing is extraordinary; she somehow manages to build tension and dread, despite the foreseen outcome. I wonder if we keep returning to this story because there is some strange mix of comfort in foreknowing, but excitement in seeing it all play out? I'm not sure, but you're right, the Tudors remain endlessly appealing!
Bring Up the Bodies is one of my favorite Tudor novels. I agree--Mantel's writing is extraordinary.
a great read, MJ. As always!
So much to think about here, Martha Jean. As I read, I realized how ubiquitous the Tudor story is, unconsciously immediately familiar and so that it's been a fountain for fresh interpretation and creativity. As you point out, it's not so much the facts of a Tudor reign on a faraway British island, but the mystique that's grown around it - that makes it continue to be relevant. Just makes me smile!
I'm glad the piece made you smile -- and I like the way you've put it. The Tudors are ubiquitous, and they definitely have a mystique. Thanks, Joan
I don't disagree with your claims about the brutality and injustice of the Tudor period, but I would say those characteristics are ones that many contemporary individuals sense might be revisited in a lost democracy. Drama redux.