A phrase runs through his head – was it Thomas More's? – 'the peace of the hen coop when the fox has run home'. He sees the scattered carcasses
In Hilary Mantel's "Bring Up the Bodies," the protagonist reflects on a phrase that resonates with his current situation, contemplating the fleeting sense of safety that follows a dangerous threat's departure. The imagery of a hen coop conveys a temporary relief, while the danger of the fox, symbolic of conflict or treachery, lingers in his mind. As he surveys the aftermath, the scattered carcasses serve as a stark reminder of destruction and loss. This moment encapsulates the tension between vulnerability and a brief respite, emphasizing the precariousness of peace in the face of potential future turmoil.
