What’s My Dissertation?

Diving deep into the annals of Tudor England, my History Dissertation explores a topic often veiled in silence: the implications of miscarriages in a society rife with superstition, stigma, and sorrow. Titled "Concealed Sorrow," this study sheds light on the profound impact of miscarriages on women's lives during the Tudor era, with a particular focus on the tragic case of Anne Boleyn.

In the tumultuous court of King Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn's struggle with miscarriages exemplifies the dire consequences faced by women who failed to produce a male heir. Despite her intelligence, charm, and political acumen, Anne's inability to provide a male successor led to her downfall, culminating in her execution on charges of treason and adultery.

Through Anne Boleyn's tragic fate, my dissertation delves into the broader implications of miscarriages in Tudor society. It interrogates the pervasive medieval ideas and beliefs surrounding women's bodies and reproductive health, questioning how these notions continue to influence our perceptions and treatment of women today.

Asking readers to ponder how many medieval ideas still linger in our modern society, particularly in our attitudes towards women and miscarriages, my dissertation challenges us to confront the enduring legacy of the past and strive for greater empathy, understanding, and support for women facing the heartache of pregnancy loss.

Stay tuned for more blog posts featuring key points I will be making in this paper and join me on my journey through the archives of England this fall as I seek to uncover primary sources from Anne and the Tudor court.

Also, please feel free to send me questions, comments or thoughts about this subject! I’d love to hear from you.