Saturday, March 27, 2010


Wolf Hall

History, although perhaps a dusty, dreaded subject when one is young, does serve a paramount purpose for those who pay attention in life.  History provides us with signposts which, though sometimes difficult to read, often warped and charred by time, warn of all the dark pitfalls that have so often claimed the breath and spirit of those gone before.  Surely, it is the intent of history to bequeath knowledge, in the hope that we as human beings may not follow the rutted pathways of the ignorant, but climb, century by century, bit by bit, ever higher, till we manage to reach a nobler, more enlightened hill from which to view the world.  For should we not learn from the mistakes of others, as well as the mistakes of our own?

It is, no doubt, a result of my Scottish DNA, but I have always been captivated by the history of Britain.  As a child, I knew all the wives of Henry VIII long before I could recite the names of my own First Ladies.  Somehow, although she was an interesting woman to be sure, the travails of Dolley Madison just never seemed to equal those of the ill-fated, black-eyed Anne Boleyn.  Recently, I have found myself mentally wandering the palaces of the Tudors once again, my torch held high in order to decipher all the brilliantly written pages of Hillary Mantel’s Booker Prize winning novel, Wolf Hall.  Set during the reign of Henry VIII, Wolf Hall shines its light on Thomas Cromwell, a figure usually found just outside the frame, a bit on the periphery, where one is forever likely to find the most powerful figures of any government.  It is through Cromwell’s sharp eyes that we are given a unique view of the events of that day.  As I read of the frequently barbarous nature of life in Tudor England - the crowds of mothers and children excitedly watching all manner of public executions, those in government so determined to hold onto the intoxicating notion of power that any idea of public good never crosses their minds - I suppose I indulged in a bit of quiet superiority, thankful for the civilized life that I lead, grateful that the past is now past.  
And then I picked up the newspaper. 

 As some of you know, we here in the States have been locked in a rancorous battle over health care reform, a battle that certainly came as no surprise, given the fact that US Presidents have attempted to tackle this problem for a hundred years, but to no avail.  The issue was voted on this past weekend, an occurrence that brought out opponents and supporters alike.  It happened at a rally in Columbus, Ohio.  A man was sitting on the ground with a sign that said he had Parkinson’s disease.  A group demonstrating against reform began taunting the man, accusing him of “looking for a handout” and throwing dollar bills into his lap.  In Washington, DC, racial epithets were hurled at a black congressman who is a hero of the civil rights movement, whilst slurs were shouted at another congressman because he is gay.

Juxtaposed against the illuminating passages of Wolf Hall, these news reports had a sobering effect.  I had to wonder:  How far have we really come?  Is it even possible for intelligent reason and compassion to exist in a world where any sort of vile behaviour is acceptable for those so encased in hatred and fear? Or are we merely like those little boats of Fitzgerald’s, forever beating against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.
Has history taught us nothing?



44 comments:

  1. Wonderful post - so insightful. It seems that now, as then, people become entrapped by the idea of money, of having enough, of having more.

    We have cruelty and kindness wrapped around our kind in equal measure. It has always been this way. Somewhere in it there is supposed to be a balance, but this is often hard to see.

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  2. So much hate out there. It is enough to make me weep.Thanks for your post.

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  3. Beautifully put - and no, I don't believe history can really teach us much. Mostly because, if we really look at history, there is no clear lesson. The world then was and is just as confusing as the world now. All we can do as humans is try to be the best we can, and people today aren't better than the people who lived five hundred years ago. We're the same, messed up, confused species. My theory (and I didn't come up with it) is that all we can really do is love. If you care about the poor, the healthcare bill doesn't bother you as much, because it's a way to help those who need it. If you love all races, it won't matter that they're no longer segregated - in fact, it's joyful. Love really is the best way to go.

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  4. As I watch my nineteen year old daughter navigate her way through life, I've realized that as much as I tried to teach her, whether by example or from my own experience, she takes that information and all the advice she seeks and is still determined to do things in her own unique way. Just like I did. And like my mother did before me. Sometimes she succeeds. Sometimes she learns a painful lesson. Multiply her times a million. A billion. A hundred generations. I agree with Bethany Elizabeth when she says "All we can do as humans is try to be the best we can, and people today aren't better than the people who lived five hundred years ago." We're all just people, for better or worse. And that's what makes it all so fascinating and challenging, don't you think?
    Always thought-provoking here, Pamela.

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  5. Pamela, this is a very powerful, insightful, and well written post. You took me back to Henry's VIII England one moment and on our own 21st century streets the next in such a well penned manner - and you brought me to tears at what we continue to do as a people.

    You should consider sending this to a newspaper. Let us know if you do.

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  6. Be the peace you want to see...Gahdhi

    and the love, beauty and truth...

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  7. Thank you for this little excursion in history. I have pondered this questions many times and I have the slight hope that as humanity we have made progress. At least in some parts of the world. Think of democracy, which has changed the world and the lives of many for the better, just look at the downfall of communism in my life time. I was effected by it, more then I can say!
    Of course there is still much brutality, ignorance and disregard towards human life, but I think we've come a long way since Henry VIII.

    If history teaches us nothing or too little, then is has something to do with how we expirience the presence, how we are brought up and what we tell our children. We create the history books of tomorrow!

    But I too have low moments when I watch the news!

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  8. "Wolf Hall" is a really good read and quite a different character study of both Thomas Cromwell and Thomas More. Thanks for your post Pamela...the amount of hate and disdain shown to the Parkinsons Sufferer is downright scarey.

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  9. Hi Pamela
    Brilliant post... I was just telling a friend yesterday that my favourite subjects at school were History and Maths [strange bedfellowers]. I guess what history has taught us is that people will find any form to justify there despicable actions and minimize their view of what is going on around them everyday... I really shouldn't push my views on the Healthcare reform as I know I don't have enough of the facts.. but certainly something has to change.. it seems incredible to me that people can lose their homes and face financial ruin if they are unlucky enough to be ill... Australia is still ok in this respect.. our medicare system is not a panacea ... and our private health care is getting worse.. but still ok and I just pray we do not go down that path in the future... I'm so sorry to hear about the outbursts of hate and intolerance .. every country has it.. and I suppose change brings all these things to the fore.. As I said.. brilliant post.... xx Julie

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  10. It really saddens me that we have become so divided over this. We need to put politics aside and do what's best for our country and its citizens.

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  11. I like history a lot and I do believe that we humans are the same through all the centuries.

    Have a lovely weekend

    xo
    Anci

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  12. I must read this book! As you know, I think, I am British, and I am proud of our health care system, no matter who you are, or more importantly how much money you have or don't have, you recieve the care you need. Ok, we, and others that have income have to pay more taxes, but I glady pay the extra, to care for those who don't have. If a homeless person wanders into a hospital or surgery here, they get the same treatment as anyone else. Thank God! We all have a responsibility to our fellow humans, each and every one of them. Great post! suzie xxx

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  13. Sadly, life is never quite as civilised as we imagine or as we would like it to be. Great post Pamela...xv

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  14. Well written!
    I have come to the conclusion that love and compassion are the only healers and if we are willing to change ourselves than our light will shine and hopefully those around us will be inspired in some way.
    There has always been the play of darkness and light. There are those people who display "darkness of heart" and only they can choose to change themselves. Regarding History it seems like the "never ending story" or "groundhog day"
    Thank you!

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  15. The degree of hatred that has been stoked is frightening, more frightening than - gasp - "socialist" universal health care. There are some radio and TV big mouths who bear responsibility for a lot of this. I think this is going to get uglier.

    Word verification: skywar

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  16. Great post!
    Humans must evolve a bit more, learn from their own history, from each other. Not a good time for Americans right now. Too much fear is coloring basic instincts.

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  17. Hello P&E,

    I was horrified to see a report on UK news of Sarah Palin's Facebook page showing an illustration of the USA with rifle crosshairs on the locations of some Democrats who supported the medical care bill. And then trying to suggest that it wasn't intended to invoke violence! Extreme Fundamentalism and bigotry has no place in any society, especially not the USA.

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  18. Dear Pamela,
    I love our British history too. I live very near Hatfield House which was one of Henry V111's abodes. There are many oak trees there that are ancient and would have been there when Henry was alive. Apparently, Elizabeth was sitting under one of these oak trees when she was told of her father's death and that she had become Queen. Whenever I go there I can imagine Henry riding across the fields. A very romantic thought as I'm sure it wasn't the most pleasant of times and, I think everybody, whether they were Royalty of commoners, feared for their lives !!
    I think that you are so right that times have not changed that much and that, amongst many things that are wrong today, the health question in your country definitely needs addressing.
    Enjoy your weekend, Pamela. XXXX

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  19. Brilliant post. When I read about the incident with the man who has Parkinson's, I was absolutely sickened.

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  20. Very thoughtful post Pamela. I have been stopping and starting Wolf Hall these past few weeks. It is a fascinating story and all the more so with Hampton Court Palace just down the road from us. At the same time, reading what you just mentioned that is happening today just saddens me. Some people just don't get it and sadly never will.
    Jeanne :)

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  21. beautiful post Pamela. And such a shame that there is so much hate in the world. It amazes me how people feel it is a good use of time to get angry. Life is so short!!!!! go out - live, love, enjoy! - that's what I say ;-)

    I feel it every day; people launching into a moan about this, that or the other and I just feel like it is such an incredible waste of energy. Don't get me wrong, we can all have our problems, but for me the constant realisation that life is a gift manages to spur me on... to move on.

    For me I guess that history can only teach those of us with our walking boots laced up and ready to climb that "enlightened hill" - just as in history, we cannot expect that everyone will want to learn the same lessons - but we can try and spread a little light along our way ;-)

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  22. beautiful post. love your blog x

    Missy
    For everything about fashion:
    http://thefashionfusion.blogspot.com

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  23. Hello Pamela,
    Its been a while since I lasst posted here. I had surgery and I have been laid up with just one hand to work with. I have missed reading your wonderful writing and I have to say that I absolutely love the new photo of you and Edward in the snow. he just makes me smile.
    Please stop by and enter the give aways. one of my own and one of beeshebags.blogspot.com
    Jan

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  24. Hi Pamela,

    Lovely post, and yes, history does so often repeat itself.
    We need to do all that is right and best for ourselves, our families and friends.

    Happy weekend
    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  25. History seems to repeat itself. It is for us to live our lives to their fullest with passion, and to truly make a difference.

    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  26. Interesting post, Pamela. I read Mantel's Wolf Hall and felt just the same about how far have we come. Some parts of it have stayed with me - in particular when, as a small boy, he witnesses the burning at the stake. Brilliant book I thought.
    Incidentally I saw the Holbein portrait of Henry VIII - I believe it was in Madrid - very impressive.
    Thank you so much for your good wishes to me over the past few weeks.

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  27. Oh, Henry! My favorite historical novel hero...love all the stories of his six wives and the different ways authors perceive the whole royal affair!

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  28. It is really depressing to see how rude and hateful people can be. I DO think things have improved since the Tudors' time, but the behaviour we're seeing in the news is a harsh reminder that there is a thin veil of respectability that distances us from total barbarism.

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  29. fab post x

    Missy
    For everything about fashion:
    http://thefashionfusion.blogspot.com

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  30. I've loved catching up with your blog, and especially this post. I do indeed wonder if we've changed at all!
    So sorry to read of your friend's passing, but what a lovely tribute and story to remember her by.

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  31. Totally fascinating; having a huge interest in our British history, particularly Tudor times, this post was of great interest to me.

    CJ xx

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  32. Hello! Firstly I have to say what a wonderful dog you have, oh-so gorgeous and totally huggable. :)

    Secondly this is a lovely post, and I am glad I have discovered your blog. I always think that reality TV is today's equivalent of the stocks - gives everyone a safe perch from which to mock and make fun... it's a horrible thought, but I think there is something intrinsically cruel about human nature, sometimes. And that is why it is so important to teach right from wrong and to encourage kindness.

    I have yet to read Wolf Hall. It is on the list of the next books to buy. To save my pocket I do a few months buying from second-hand bookshops, and then to save bookshops I have a couple of months buying full-price books. Always feel torn no matter which I do!

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  33. Your posting is so accurate. It just so happened that I was in D.C. last weekend and walked on the Hill and around the Mall during the Healthcare Bill protests. I was there on Saturday and from what I heard, things just got worse on Sunday. I decided not to post any of the negative pictures I took while walking around but honestly, many were unbelievable. So many racial slurs on cars, signs and people. Very young children wearing t-shirts that were totally inappropriate for an adult, much less little people. There were sections of educated speakers voicing differencing opinions but it was upsetting to see and hear the prejudice and hatred that exists in our country. If we are all working for the good of the whole, why is there no place to meet in the middle?

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  34. Lovely post, and yes, history does so often repeat itself.
    We need to do all that is right and best for ourselves, our families and friends.
    home jobs india

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  35. I just found you at The Duchess. I LOVE your blog. And EDWARD!!!!!!! Oh how adorable. What kind of sweetie is he? I just lost my precious Reba in February & am not able to take that next step in finding a new love yet but, oh Edward speaks to my heart. Charlene

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  36. Beautiful post. I agree it would make a good article in a paper or magazine. I was pleased to hear that your health care bill was passed. I couldn't get on with Wolf Hall which is strange as I am a fan of Hilary Mantel.

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  37. Pamela, thank you for your recent visit to my blog. I love British history, as relatively speaking, we have such a short history here in Australia of post settlement times, whereas our Aboriginal history, carried through oral tradition is of course hundreds of thousands of years old. There are many aspects and areas we could have learnt more after settlement/invasion(?)but there is much violence in our history,and this seems like the universal cry where history always repeats itself in territorial conquests.I agree with others here who have mentioned that all we can do is be the best we possibly can and treat others with respect.

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  38. ...I perhaps didn't relate my comment back to healthcare/reform aspects...so reiterate that focusing on the better good, the welfare of our country's inhabitants and wish to alleviate suffering be paramount.

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  39. OMG
    i had not heard the story about the man in columbus ohio.
    that is disgusting.
    the whole warped perception of health care is astounding to me.
    universal healthcare is good.
    we pay for the fire dept, the police, the schools, the public roads....
    it is all part of a civilized society.
    we are the one and only civilized nation without univ. healthcare!

    great post
    xxx

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  40. Sadly I think you're right! As they say, "the more things change, the more they stay the same". Leigh

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  41. Pamela the older I get, the more I realise that history just keeps repeating itself. Wars, torture, rape, murder and wanton causing of pain and destruction, only on a larger scale than ever before and with more destructive weapons.

    Humanity has risen to great heights of learning and inventiveness yet all this is so often used for destructive purposes. It is as though we are on a permanent round-about with no way of getting off. Will those who spread love and compassion ever be able to swing the balance?

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  42. it teaches some-those who would learn, the others will never learn. I keep hoping that it is the extreme that is such because the majority of us are reasonable? I am hoping.

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  43. All the lying and arrogance is very disgusting in our country. Reminds my of the verse concerning God being mindful of man. People truly will reap what they sow.

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I love to read your comments! Each and every one! Though I'm always reading your comments, I may not respond in the comment section. If you want to write me directly, you may do so at pamela@pamelaterry.net. Thank you for reading!