Bring Up the Bodies (Thomas Cromwell, #2) Summary & Key Insights

Hilary Mantel's "Bring Up the Bodies," the second novel in the Thomas Cromwell trilogy, continues the rise and fall of Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII's ruthless and ambitious chief minister, during the tumultuous reign of the English monarch. The novel picks up shortly after the execution of Anne Boleyn, leaving Cromwell to navigate the treacherous political landscape and secure the king's next marriage.

The central plot revolves around Henry VIII's courtship of Jane Seymour, and the intricate maneuvering required to remove Anne's memory and pave the way for a new queen. Cromwell, ever the pragmatist, orchestrates the legal and political machinations to secure the annulment of Henry’s marriage to Anne, skillfully manipulating witnesses and suppressing dissent. This involves skillfully navigating the complexities of court intrigue, managing the ambitious and self-serving nobles, and carefully controlling the flow of information.

While the plot focuses on the political machinations surrounding Jane Seymour, the shadow of Anne Boleyn remains potent. Her ghost, both literally and metaphorically, haunts the narrative. The lingering suspicion surrounding her execution and the potential for further upheaval underscores the fragility of Cromwell's position and the constant threat of betrayal. The novel cleverly uses flashbacks to further explore Anne's character, revealing her strength and vulnerability, adding another layer to the already complex narrative.

Key characters, beyond Cromwell and Henry VIII, include Jane Seymour, portrayed as a quiet and devout woman manipulated by the machinations of the court; Cromwell’s family, especially his daughter, whose welfare underscores his underlying humanity; and various members of the nobility, each driven by their own self-interests and ambitions. The loyal, if morally ambiguous, Rafe Sadler provides a counterpoint to Cromwell’s ruthlessness, offering a glimpse into a different kind of loyalty and service to the crown.

Overarching themes explore the nature of power, ambition, and loyalty within a corrupt and brutal court. Mantel masterfully depicts the moral compromises necessary for survival and success in Henry VIII’s England. The novel grapples with the themes of justice, or the lack thereof, showing how the legal system can be manipulated to serve political ends. The pervasive sense of paranoia and distrust creates a suffocating atmosphere, reflecting the inherent dangers of the court and the precarious balance of power. The contrasting portrayals of strong female characters, like Anne Boleyn and Jane Seymour, who represent different approaches to surviving and navigating the patriarchal system, are also central to the narrative. Ultimately, "Bring Up the Bodies" is a compelling historical fiction that expertly interweaves meticulous historical detail with a psychologically insightful exploration of its complex characters and the brutal realities of power.