Essay Questions

Who was Cromwell and how was he influential?

Cromwell was the son of a blacksmith, who ascended to authority and became a member of privy council. While remaining in a powerful position he forgot about his humble background. The king used to consider his suggestions, so he started manipulating the king and the aristocrats to achieve his aims. He gave the orders of queen Ann Boleyn’s murder and persecuted the aristocrats who assisted him in his aims.

What was the reason of Cromwell’s death?

Cromwell became power hungry and, in his attempt, to get more and more power, he made the aristocrats his enemies. A mere rumor that Cromwell wanted to marry the king’s daughter became the reason of his death. It was a trick of his opponents to remove him from power but the king did not ask for Cromwell’s explanations and ordered to behead him.

How did Cromwell influence the king’s decisions?

King Henry used to ask Cromwell in all the matters of life. Cromwell murdered the queen Ann Boleyn by hiring a French assassin. The king married his second wife just because of Cromwell. Cromwell assassinated the aristocrats because of his powerful status which was bestowed to him by the king. The king recruited or dismissed people after consulting with Cromwell. He also asks for Cromwell’s suggestion regarding his third marriage.

What is the irony of fate in the book?

Cromwell assassinated the queen and the aristocrats and celebrated their deaths. He made use of the king’s power and recruited and dismissed people. The king was so kind to him but the irony of the fate is that he was killed mercilessly on the orders of the king owing to a false accusation. The king ordered to behead him just like he gave the orders to behead Ann Boleyn. His head was also severed like her and his opponents cherished his death.