Abstract

Henry VIII will always be remembered as the man who married six times and executed two of his wives. His eldest daughter, Mary I, is also commonly remembered for her less than flattering legacy as the English queen who burned over 300 Protestant subjects during her short reign. Although these events happened, there is more to Henry and Mary than their infamous legacies as English rulers. Used as an alternative explanation for their actions, role theory can illuminate the role conflict, identity conflict, and transformations that led to a separation of Henry VIII and Mary I as individuals, and as sovereigns. Their roles as King and Queen of England set them apart as individuals and led them to behave in a way that may not have been true to their characters if they were not monarchs, especially in sixteenth century English society. This book presents an additional theory through the study and exploration of the complicated lives of Henry VIII and Mary I and Tudor family politics.