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.
Hilary Mantel Wolf Hall
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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 his understanding that true resolve requires clarity and boldness. This attitude resonates throughout the narrative, illustrating the brutal realities of warfare and political maneuvering during that era. Mantel's work captures the complexities of loyalty, ambition, and the often ruthless nature of human ambition.

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 his understanding that true resolve requires clarity and boldness. This attitude resonates throughout the narrative, illustrating the brutal realities of warfare and political maneuvering during that era. Mantel's work captures the complexities of loyalty, ambition, and the often ruthless nature of human ambition.

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Wolf Hall
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Other quotes in Wolf Hall

But Christendom was overturned for the Boleyn marriage, to put the ginger pig in the cradle;
Hilary Mantel Wolf Hall
But Christendom was overturned for the Boleyn marriage, to put the ginger pig in the cradle;
Elijah told Ahab that the dogs would lick his blood, and so it came to pass, as you would imagine, since only the successful prophets are remembered
Hilary Mantel Wolf Hall
Elijah told Ahab that the dogs would lick his blood, and so it came to pass, as you would imagine, since only the successful prophets are remembered
news comes from Rome that the Emperor's Spanish and German troops, who have not been paid for months, have run wild through the Holy City paying themselves, plundering the treasuries and stoning the artworks. Dressed satirically in stolen vestments, they have raped the wives and virgins of Rome. They have tumbled to the ground statues and nuns, and smashed their heads on the pavements. A common soldier has stolen the head of the lance that opened the side of Christ, and has attached it to the shaft of his own murderous weapon.
Hilary Mantel Wolf Hall
news comes from Rome that the Emperor's Spanish and German troops, who have not been paid for months, have run wild through the Holy City paying themselves, plundering the treasuries and stoning the artworks. Dressed satirically in stolen vestments, they have raped the wives and virgins of Rome. They have tumbled to the ground statues and nuns, and smashed their heads on the pavements. A common soldier has stolen the head of the lance that opened the side of Christ, and has attached it to the shaft of his own murderous weapon.
We say, how did it happen? We ask ourselves. The duke sniffs. We ask ourselves, but by the steaming blood of Christ we have no bloody answer. The steaming blood of Christ. It's an oath worthy of Thomas Howard, the senior duke.
Hilary Mantel Wolf Hall
We say, how did it happen? We ask ourselves. The duke sniffs. We ask ourselves, but by the steaming blood of Christ we have no bloody answer. The steaming blood of Christ. It's an oath worthy of Thomas Howard, the senior duke.
Cromwell. I am not such a hard man that I don't see how you are left. Do you know what I say? I say I don't know one man in England who would have done what you have done, for a man disgraced and fallen. The king says so. Even him, Chapuys, the Emperor's man, he says, you cannot fault what's-he-called. I say, it's a pity you ever saw Wolsey. It's a pity you don't work for me." "Well," he says, "we all want
Hilary Mantel Wolf Hall
Cromwell. I am not such a hard man that I don't see how you are left. Do you know what I say? I say I don't know one man in England who would have done what you have done, for a man disgraced and fallen. The king says so. Even him, Chapuys, the Emperor's man, he says, you cannot fault what's-he-called. I say, it's a pity you ever saw Wolsey. It's a pity you don't work for me." "Well," he says, "we all want
Henry stirs into life. Do I retain you for what is easy? Jesus pity my simplicity, I have promoted you to a place in this kingdom that no one, no one of your breeding has ever held in the whole of the history of this realm.
Hilary Mantel Wolf Hall
Henry stirs into life. Do I retain you for what is easy? Jesus pity my simplicity, I have promoted you to a place in this kingdom that no one, no one of your breeding has ever held in the whole of the history of this realm.
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Other quotes in threats

I dropped my voice and stared into her eyes. I could tell she was trying hard not to look away. I was so furious I could have cheerfully ripped her head off. But you're going to find out, Mom,' I said very softly.And it's gonna give you nightmares for the rest of your wasted life.Oh, my God, I was so badass. It was all I could do to not give a MWA HA HA!
James Patterson Saving the World and...
I dropped my voice and stared into her eyes. I could tell she was trying hard not to look away. I was so furious I could have cheerfully ripped her head off. But you're going to find out, Mom,' I said very softly.And it's gonna give you nightmares for the rest of your wasted life.Oh, my God, I was so badass. It was all I could do to not give a MWA HA HA!
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.
Hilary Mantel Wolf Hall
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.
More »

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