I think, if you're going to kill a man, do it. Don't write him a letter about it. Don't bluster and threaten and put him on his guard.
In "Wolf Hall," Hilary Mantel explores the political intricacies of Tudor England through the life of Thomas Cromwell. Within this historical context, the quote underscores the theme of directness and the significance of taking decisive action. It critiques indecisiveness and the futility of half-measures, emphasizing that when one intends to act, they should do so without pretense or empty threats. The quote highlights Cromwell's pragmatic approach to power and conflict, reflecting...