Comments on: Calvinism, devilry and wicked, wicked women

By: Ann

Ann — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 12:57:04 +0000

Another fascinating post which prompts one to rethink the question of religiosity. I find it very hard to relate to a time or way of thinking that was so deeply rooted in religious belief, coming as I do from quite an agnostic/atheist tradition on both sides of my family. My father and I were both brought up in the High Church Anglican tradition adhered to by our schools. That was enough for me. He went back to church in the last couple of years before he died, at a time when perhaps he recognised he was unwell- but he never expected us to engage or indeed to debate his renewed interest. I suppose I adhere to another form of religion- that of scientific rationalism.
I will attempt to record the Witch for a family watching another time while we are in lockdown. I am one book behind on Hilary Mantel so feel a bit adrift in discussion of her third one, part of which I heard on the radio. I look forward to your review though.

By: Huguenot Jo

Huguenot Jo — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 10:01:41 +0000

In reply to Carre Dunne.

The shades of Protestant belief running at that time were very complicated, so perhaps I should be complimenting Mantel on the extent to which she does manage it. It’s more to do with Cromwell’s motivation – I think in the book he comes across as a kind of agnostic, like a modern MP perhaps who attends Church of England services but doesn’t really expect to go to Heaven or Hell because modern science reveals that that is not very likely. They did not have modern science then. I wonder if Cromwell might have been quite a fervent early Protestant in England, pushing forward Reformism for his beliefs, and enriching himself and his family would not have conflicted with that. If he could have set up his own powerful dynasty, the forces of Catholicism in established English noble families would more easily be defeated. But what did he believe in his heart?

By: Huguenot Jo

Huguenot Jo — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 09:47:11 +0000

In reply to Hephzi. Hephzi, I'll be reviewing The Mirror and The Light by Hilary Mantel imminently. There is so much to say about it, and the option of hearing the whole story read by Anton Lesser on BBC Sounds. The TV adaptation is bound to be on our screens shortly.

By: Carre Dunne

Carre Dunne — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 17:39:01 +0000

A fascinating post as usual.
I won’t be watching The Witch because I’m a wuss and your explanation of the plot, and what lies behind it, is perfect. It’s a shame Cromwell’s protestant beliefs are not fully explored in the third part of the Mantel Trilogy. When I get to reading it, I’ll definitely bear that in mind.

By: Hephzi

Hephzi — Sun, 12 Apr 2020 17:41:26 +0000

Thanks for this, I’ll make a point of watching it. Makes me think of “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller, though that was an allegory of the persecution of Communists. But one story can stand for another, witness how Shakespeare’s plays can be reinterpreted over and over again and be found relevant in different places and times.

Your comment on Hilary Mantel’s Cromwell is interesting. It’s not easy to imagine how intensely religious beliefs – and such different ones – were held at that time, when they were literally a matter of life and death.