Iknow that a great deal of the facts (however one can conceive of facts from this early time) are terrifically far off, but the writers have at least captured the spirit of the age (from my somewhat educated perspective).
I especially appreciate the way that the writers are able to emphasize the power of women within the court's political structure--even if sex is generally used as the key negotiating tool. I think that the portrayal of Anne Boleyn is particularly interesting given the way that many historians tend to treat her much more forgivingly than this particular series. She is certainly a brilliant tactician; the king comes off not so well.
The most perfect moments in the episodes exist between Henry and Kathryn of Aragon; her sexuality (of course) is suppressed; she articulate, she is masterful, she is everything that I would have imagined.
I suppose I bring up this version of Tudor culture in sinuous reflection of Jackart's assertion that post modern women somehow need gossip to compensate for their otherwise unconnected lives. I can't really answer for all women now, but I can certainly say that in Henry VIII's court culture, gossip ruled the day. I shall not bore you with my elementary understanding of Tudor History, but I will say that a culture of news and information had to be spread--almost virally.
This is hardly a cohesive post, but here is my question. In order to drum up interest in history, culture or politics of the past, is it a good idea to sex it up a bit? Will this propel people to learn more about this history, politics or culture, or does it simply allow people to rest on laurels that include quite of bit of misinformation (with a whole bunch of nude scenes)?
