The Queen's Mistake (57 page)

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

1. Prior to reading
The Queen’s Mistake
, what, if anything, did you know about Catherine Howard? Were there any aspects of her life that surprised you?

2. Discuss Catherine’s relationships with Henry VIII and Thomas Culpepper. What attracted her to each man? How do you think she was able to juggle her feelings for both men simultaneously? Do you think that Catherine truly loved Henry?

3. At a young age, Catherine has consensual sexual relationships with several men, including Henry Manox, Francis Dereham, Gregory Cromwell, and Thomas Culpeper. Do you think her promiscuity was unique for that time period and a young girl of her class? What are the negative and positive effects of her sexual experience on her relationship with Henry VIII?

4. The Duke of Norfolk and Dowager Duchess Agnes Howard make many morally questionable choices throughout the novel, but they both claim that they have the best interests of their family at heart. Do you think this is true? If so, do you think their choices are justified by this claim? If not, what do you think their true motivations are?

5. Henry has deep misgivings about ordering the execution of Thomas Cromwell, especially after he discovers Catherine’s indiscretions. Do you think his regret and his anger at the Duke of Norfolk and Stephen Gardiner contributed to his decision to execute Catherine?

6. In English history, it was not unheard of for future queens to serve in the households of the then-current queen, particularly in the court of Henry VIII. However, it was quite rare for these queens to have the friendly relationship of Anne of Cleves and Catherine Howard. (After all, Catherine of Aragon never warmed to Anne Boleyn when Anne was in her service.) What factors do you think made Anne of Cleves and Catherine Howard’s relationship so unique?

7. Religion is one of the greatest forces in this story. What did you know about Catholic-Protestant relations in the Tudor era before you read this book? What role did religion play in Catherine’s ascension to the throne and her downfall? What does each character have to gain by allying him/herself with a particular religion?

8. Mary Lassells and Francis Dereham start out as lowly country servants but both manage to rise from their humble roots and obtain positions at court. Although they are clearly portrayed as villains and play a role in Catherine’s downfall, do you find their actions underhanded, or do you sympathize with their desire to better their situations? Do you think their ambitions are any different
from Catherine’s desire to help her family at the expense of Anne of Cleves and Thomas Cromwell?

9. Henry VIII has complicated feelings for each of his past wives and children. For instance, Henry continues to feel betrayed by Anne Boleyn long after her death, but several characters still refer to her as his greatest love. How do you imagine Henry would remember Catherine after her execution?

10. What do you think is the biggest mistake that Catherine made over the course of the novel? Do you think her mistake truly led to her downfall, or do you think the outcome of her story was inevitable?