In Hilary Mantel's "Wolf Hall," a character reflects on the art of persuasion, highlighting the fine line between genuine influence and aggressive coercion. This critique emphasizes how someone skilled in persuasion can make their argument seem compelling, yet it can feel oppressive, akin to a physical attack. The tension between persuasion and manipulation is central to understanding interpersonal dynamics in power struggles.

The quote captures the struggle to discern when one is being genuinely convinced versus when they are being overwhelmed or controlled. This illustrates the complexities of human interaction, especially in political contexts, where authority and influence can often overshadow reasoned discourse.