The Other Boleyn Girl

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death, graphic violence, pregnancy loss, gender discrimination, and sexual content. 

In spring 1535, George writes a letter summoning Mary to court as Anne is pregnant and needs a sister and friend. Anne is the loneliest woman in the world as she “is no longer favorite either with the king or with her own family” (523). The common sentiment is against Anne as Henry’s oath of succession has driven popular and famous men to be beheaded at the Tower of London. Henry has no check on his power nor his whims, and the court has become a dangerous, corrupt place.

Mary obeys the summons so she might bargain to get back her other two children. She finds Anne strained and tired at prayer, which reminds her how desperately Queen Katherine prayed for a boy. Anne is grateful to have George and Mary with her. When Henry greets her as the other Boleyn girl, Mary thinks he looks like a fat, sulky boy, “a man both indulged and yet unhappy” (533). Mary asks the king’s permission to bring William to court and see her children at Hever that summer, going against Anne’s wishes.