Beheaded besties” - A Comparison of the Cultural Representation of Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard in the Sixteenth, Twentieth and Twenty-first Century.

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2024-06-15

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en

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This thesis explores the cultural memory and representation of Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard from the sixteenth century to the present, examining how their portrayals have evolved due to shifts in historical narratives, feminist theory, and media representation. By analysing various historical texts, literary works, and modern media, the research highlights the contrasting depictions of these queens. Utilising a theoretical framework that includes gender studies and memory politics, the study analyses primary sources, historical accounts, and contemporary media to understand how these queens' narratives have been shaped and reshaped over time. The findings reveal that while Anne Boleyn's image has evolved into a complex figure of political and religious significance, Katherine Howard's portrayal remains largely confined to themes of sexuality and scandal. This thesis demonstrates that cultural representations of these historical figures reflect broader societal attitudes towards women's roles and agency.

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