The English will never be forgiven for the talent for destruction they have always displayed when they get off their own island.
Hilary Mantel Wolf Hall
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The quote from Hilary Mantel's "Wolf Hall" reflects a critical view of the English, suggesting that their history includes a pervasive capability for destruction, particularly when they venture beyond their homeland. It implies that this destructive nature is a deeply ingrained aspect of English identity that cannot be overlooked, hinting at a long-standing legacy of aggression and domination throughout history.

This perspective invites contemplation on the impact of colonialism and military actions traditionally associated with the English. It questions the moral implications of such actions and suggests that these historical injustices linger in contemporary perceptions, fostering resentment and a legacy that the English struggle to reconcile with their national identity.

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Wolf Hall
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Hilary Mantel
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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.
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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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