In "Bring Up the Bodies" by Hilary Mantel, the political climate of the time is tense as characters navigate the complexities of loyalty and power. The discussion around the potential sainthood of Thomas More and John Fisher reveals the contrasting ideologies and the weight of martyrdom in the eyes of the public. This highlights the significance of their sacrifices in the context of the Church and the monarchy.
The quote emphasizes the reverence that society may hold for More and Fisher, suggesting that their fates could be romanticized as martyrdom, which resonates deeply with their supporters. Their impending sainthood serves to underscore the dramatic struggle between personal conviction and political reality during this tumultuous period in history.