From History to Herstory: Philippa Gregory’s "The Constant Princess"

Abstract

In her novels, Philippa Gregory aims to convert history into herstory, the leading characters being presented mostly in relation to the male-dominated circles in which they live, as their moral portrait and personality are largely influenced by their interactions with the opposite gender. Consequently, the present paper brings into focus The Constant Princess, a historical novel which offers its readers the fictionalised story of Katherine of Aragon. In order to “restore” the former Queen’s life story, Gregory offers a “voice” to this politically marginalised figure, endowing her with masculine features which grant her the power to survive and thrive in a male-dominated world.