From evil temptresses to feminist icons: Eleanor of Aquitaine, Anne Boleyn and the fictionalization of historical female figures

Abstract

The thesis investigates the process of the fictionalization of historical female figures. It particularly focuses on how historical myths are reflected in the historiography and fiction of the 20th and 21st centuries. The research is based on two main case studies: the process of fictionalizing Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122-1204) and Anne Boleyn (1501-1536). The thesis adopts the comparative research methodology; it views both cases as a “blueprint” that represents the main trends of historical myth-making and investigates the so-called “Black Legend(s)” and “Golden Myth(s)” in terms of cultural history and collective memory as defined by Jan Assmann. The first two chapters of the study focus on the evolution of the historiography of both cases. This part of the thesis demonstrates that the centuries-old gossip and myths, mostly motivated by contemporary politics and cultural attitudes, are still alive and well in the works of modern historians. New political agendas also contribute to the myth-making processes: for instance, the feminist perspective of the 20th and 21st century re-frames these historical narratives, switching the polarity of the existing myths and turning the “evil seductresses” into “proto-feminists”. The final chapter of the thesis looks at how these Black Legends and Golden Myths have been reflected in modern literary fiction and screen narratives. It reveals how the historical myths blur the lines between history and fiction, reflecting modern anxieties about female power and female sexuality. The “blueprint” of the Feminist Golden Myths praises Eleanor’s and Anne’s perceived career independence, assertive sexuality and ability to survive sexual and domestic violence. The Black Legends’ “blueprint” shows both queens as cold-hearted, ambition-driven women who failed to be good wives and mothers. This identified “blueprint” of historical myth-making establishes an effective interdisciplinary framework for future studies of historical female figures.