Hilary Mantel’s subversive use of Whig Historiography in the Wake of Brexit

What is it about?

This article examines Hilary Mantel’s Tudor trilogy about Thomas Cromwell, analysing how her portrayal challenges traditional ideas of English and British identity, especially in the context of Brexit. While Mantel dismisses direct links between the Reformation and Brexit, the study suggests that her books subtly question the myths that have shaped national identity. By showing Cromwell as a complex, flawed figure and using unreliable narration, Mantel invites readers to rethink the stories we tell ourselves about nationhood and history.

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Why is it important?

This article is important because it demonstrates how Mantel’s historical fiction questions long-standing national myths and narratives. Her nuanced portrayal of Cromwell acts as a critique of simplified ideas of Englishness, encouraging a more critical understanding of history and identity. It highlights the relevance of historical fiction in questioning social and national myths, especially in turbulent political times like Brexit.

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