On The Construction Of English National Identity In Wolf Hall From The Perspective Of Collective Memory

Hilary Mantel(1952-)is one of the greatest contemporary British writers who wins Man Booker Prize twice.Wolf Hall(2009),one of the Man Booker-Prize winning works,is Mantel‘s first book of Cromwell‘s series.Based on the theory of collective memory and taking national identity as the joint point,this paper explores the construction of English national identity in Wolf Hall in terms of cultural memory,episodic memory and shared memory,aiming to expand not only the literary value of Wolf Hall but the connotation of English national identity.In Wolf Hall,on the first level,the diversified cultural identity of England is constructed under cultural memory.The intertextual merging of Greek myth and heroic myth provides the traces of the national root and spirit.Besides,the dynamic juxtaposition of classic literary figures demonstrates the multidimensional nature of cultural identity.On the second level,by reviewing the episodic memory and rewriting the neglected history,the micro-historical identity of England is strengthened.Historical events relevant to two Queens of England,victims in the Black Death and persecuted heretics,etc.are reinterpreted and revalued,which help consolidate the common recognition of the micro-history of England.Last but not least,through shared memory,Mantel reveals pragmatic values identity by way of observing religious and marital practices of different classes.Both marriage and religion are employed to produce the practical results,namely political interests,commercial benefits,or other material needs by the noble class,the clergymen and the middle class.Mantel‘s representation of shared memory in the Tudor Period provides new enlightenment for the exploration of the national identity of England.In Wolf Hall,Mantel elaborately constructs English national identity by penetrating into the collective memory that covers culture,history and values inherent in the national community.Wolf Hall is a typical representation of Mantel‘s concern for her homeland.The construction of English national identity provides a new reference for human beings to explore the root and origin of a nation in the multicultural context.