Hate Time Quote by Hilary Mantel
““Cranmer says, ‘We will try again with More. At least, if he refuses, he should give his reasons.’ He swears under his breath, turns from the window. ‘We know his reasons. All Europe knows them. He is against the divorce. He does not believe the king can be head of the church. But will he say that? Not he. I know him. Do you know what I hate? I hate to be part of this play, which is entirely devised by him. I hate the time it will take that could be better spent, I hate it that minds could be better employed, I hate to see our lives going by, because depend upon it, we will all be feeling our age before this pageant is played out. And what I hate most of all is that Master More sits in the audience and sniggers when I trip over my lines, for he has written all the parts. And written them these many years.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, 2009
A character expresses frustration with a manipulative authority who controls narratives and resists change, feeling trapped in a performance that wastes time and talent.
In simple terms: Frustration at being forced into a scripted, wasteful role by a controlling figure.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and resist manipulative control.
Themes
power
control
frustration
authority
artifice
Mood
irritated
exasperated
defiant
Type
literary
political
dramatic
When to use this quote
- court politics
- theatrical productions
- creative collaboration
- bureaucratic processes
Key Concepts
political intrigue
personal agency
narrative control
Questions to Reflect On
- How can one maintain integrity when forced into a scripted role?
- What strategies can reclaim agency in manipulative environments?
A Different Perspective
The speaker may underestimate the potential for subversive agency within the system.
