In Hilary Mantel's "Bring Up the Bodies," the weighty consequences of high treason are starkly portrayed. The punishment for treason is brutally severe, with men facing execution by hanging followed by evisceration, while women are condemned to be burned alive. These penalties highlight the harsh reality of justice during that historical period, reflecting the absolute authority of the crown and the lengths to which it will go to maintain power.

The king holds the discretion to modify the penalties, such as opting for decapitation instead of the traditional methods of death. Notably, poisoners face a particularly gruesome fate, being boiled alive. These distinctions in punishment underscore the varied perceptions of crime and morality in the era, further enriching the narrative of Mantel's work by illustrating the brutal justice system of the time.