Imagery of Queen’s Death
The book begins with the portrayal of Ann Boleyn’s death. Her head is severed by a French assassin on the orders of Cromwell. The narrator says, After the queen’s head is cut, Cromwell walks away. “A sharp pang of appetite reminds him that it is time for a second breakfast, or perhaps an early dinner. The morning’s circumstances are new and there are no rules to guide us. The witnesses, who have knelt for the passing of the soul, stand up and put on their hats. Under the hats, their faces are stunned.” There are images of Ann Boleyn’s burial as well. She is buried in the coffin of her brother. The narrator asserts, “Now the elm chest is carried towards the chapel, where the flags have been lifted so she can go in by the corpse of her brother, George Boleyn. “They shared a bed when they were alive,” Brandon says, “so it’s fitting they share a tomb. Let’s see how they like each other now.”
Cromwell’s Death
The death of Cromwell has also been depicted by the narrator. He is held in great esteem by the king but after being accused by his enemies, he is held in contempt by the king. He is accused of having a desire to marry the princess, Mary Tudor. The king gets enraged and orders to arrest Cromwell. The author has portrayed how Cromwell is tortured and brutally killed because of a false allegation. He is beheaded on king’s orders. The narrator has shown how destiny repeats itself. The images of Ann Boleyn’s death and Cromwell’s death have much in common. Their heads were severed, and it did not affect anybody. Ann Boleyn became a victim of Cromwell’s deceitfulness and Cromwell was murdered because of the revenge taken by the aristocrats.
Imagery of Antwerp
The narrator has represented the images of life in Antwerp. She says, “In Antwerp, the more tongues you could master, the more you could succeed.” The narrator has given a portrayal of shopping in Antwerp and depicted the images of various things which can be bought there. The author says, “Just step out of your door and you can get a diamond or a broom, you can get knives, candlesticks and keys, ironwork to suit the expert eye. They make soap and glass, they cure fish and they deal in alum and promissory notes. You can buy pepper and ginger, aniseed and cumin, saffron and rice, almonds and figs; you can buy vats and pots, combs and mirrors, cotton and silk, aloes and myrrh.” The images of things which are used on daily basis, eatables, jewelry, iron products and clothes have been evoked by the narrator.
