In "Wolf Hall," Hilary Mantel portrays the women of Italy as appearing light-hearted and carefree on the surface, yet beneath their elegant silks lie rigid structures made of iron. This metaphor highlights the constraints and societal expectations that govern their lives, suggesting that their outward appearances mask a more complex reality. The narrative suggests that it requires not only diplomacy but also immense patience to navigate the intricacies of their lives and remove these metaphorical layers. This reflects the broader theme of the struggles faced by individuals in a controlled society, where true freedom and authenticity are often buried beneath societal constructs.

In "Wolf Hall," Hilary Mantel portrays the women of Italy as appearing light-hearted and carefree on the surface, yet beneath their elegant silks lie rigid structures made of iron. This metaphor highlights the constraints and societal expectations that govern their lives, suggesting that their outward appearances mask a more complex reality.

The narrative suggests that it requires not only diplomacy but also immense patience to navigate the intricacies of their lives and remove these metaphorical layers. This reflects the broader theme of the struggles faced by individuals in a controlled society, where true freedom and authenticity are often buried beneath societal constructs.