Marriage
Marriage is a recurrent motif in the book. The novel begins with the end of the king's marriage with Ann Boleyn, as she was assassinated by a French assassin and the plot was constructed by Cromwell. Cromwell exerts his influences over the king through his marriage to a woman, when the king does not exhibit respect. It is again through the king’s marriage that Cromwell realizes that he cannot force the king anymore. The king marries Ann of Cleve against Cromwell’s wish. The allegation which brings about Cromwell’s downfall was also related to marriage. People accuses Cromwell of treason and it is rumored that Cromwell wants to marry princess, Marry Tudor. The king gets infuriated and orders to kill Cromwell.
Thirst for Power
Another motif in the novel is the thirst for power Cromwell uses all the right and wrong means to attain power. His thirst for power converts his friends into enemies. The aristocratic families supported execution because of Cromwell. It was their thirst for power which brought the death of Cromwell, who is also responsible for his own death because he wanted to ascend to the highest rank of power.
Cromwell
Thomas Cromwell symbolizes all the people who run after status and power. He stands for the people in government institutions or courts, who come for humble backgrounds and forget about there original status. They forget that they are public representatives and they just have to follow the orders of the authorities. Cromwell considers himself as equal to the king and ignores the fact that he is powerless before the king.
