I know we are suppose to have one blog a paragraphs 1-4 but I think for me it will be easier to do chapter by chapter. Although first I would like to say that I don't know anything about Anne Boleyn and her history with the King of England. I haven't seen any movies about it either. I am not much about this area however, I am looking forward this experience. Here we go Chapter 1-
I started with the Prologue-this made me look forward to what I was about to read for the rest of the semester. I didn't know she had her head cut off with a sword like is stated in the opening paragraph! If that isn't an attention getter I don't know what is. She also referred to herself as cruel and spiteful to the previous queen.
Chapter 1 part 1 startedd out by giving the background about the young lady Anne (pg 1-3). First with her marrying in her early 's to an alcoholic. the marriage started to fade then a divorce process that lasted over 2 yrs. For the entire life of the young women Anne she has always been drawn to Anne Boleyn and the history behind her but most importantly her love of Tudor history(pg 3 last paragraph). After booking a weekend called "Anne Boleyn Connoisseur's Weekend" for the anniversary of her death (pg 3 last paragraph). Anne had been to the Hever Castle before on several other occasions, twice as a child, and a couple of time on her own (pg 4 middle). Thomas Bolen, Anne's father, had moved to Hever Castle after previously living in Norfolk (pg 4 bottom). Anne arrived to the Castle for the weekend. Describing the double moat, rose gardens and ivy walls. The tour guides names were Miranda, Helen and Mick. As Anne was on the tour, one thing on her mind was the painting of Anne Boleyn." What's your hold over me?" While looking at the painting she allowed Anne into her mind and body(pg 6). After feeling a sharp pain and nauseous, she was looking for the restroom on her own. Started hearing voices calling "Anne, Anne, come quickly..."(pg 8 bottom). The smell of roses became so strong(pg 9 bottom), but for no reason to see. After feeling sick, seating and the room spinning, Anne found a window to sit next to for air to cool her (pg 10), she passed out(pg 11).
Chapter 1 part 2- Confused as she was waken by a young women, the paintings and the entire room completely different. Anne caught a glimpse of herself as she was being took to change for the King's visit, realizing how different she appeared and to what she was wearing (pg15-16). Reality came over Anne especially when she saw the gold chain with a double strand of pearls with the letter "B" hanging from it (pg 16). As the chapter goes on it talks about her getting dressed in a yellow, silk dress and decided to wear a broach of clusters of diamonds, studded with pearls and woven into a lovers knot the King had given to her (pg22). I also learned that Mary was Anne's sister and that she was one o the previous mistresses of the same King that was there to celebrate Anne's 26th birthday, May 31,1527 (pg 28). Anne was referred to by her sister Mary as "Anne the Lion! The tamer of Kings!" this was because Mary witnessed an argument between the King and Anne when the King asked her to be is mistress.(pg 23). Mary had a reputation of being a whore because of her tenderness her desire to love and be loved that was exploited by all of the powerful men (pg 24). Anne waited in the rose garden for the King of England trying to remember the things that went on to help her through this travel through time(pg 28-30).
I was always obsessed with her history (and all the Tudors/ that era)!
ReplyDeleteYes, well there is much you will learn about the "previous Queen." Urgh, I've never liked Catherine (from history that is). Who knows in person what any of them would have been like!
I love how the author (who has really toured all of this) describes the scenes based on her historical knowledge/ research of old documented Tudor history and the Boleyns' houses (scenery) plus how it looks in modern times!
There is one scene later that vividly describes a fountain. It reminds me of an elaborate one in Brentwood, TN I pass by daily on my way to and from work :)
I think it is interesting how the author draws us into her trance with Anne's painting and then "turns into her" essentially (through time travel)!
Yes, I love the history of her sister, Mary. You should definitely watch or read (when you have time later--if interested) the Other Boleyn Girl! :) I was really fascinated later by how their mother discusses her sister Mary with Anne. I wondered if Sarah Morris found this in historical documentation or if this came directly from her imagination of their mother/ daughter relationship.
Great thorough post, Tracy! Again, do try to change that script-like font. It is quite hard to read.
Ms. Hanson