Abstract
This article outlines my creative process while writing and illustrating the graphic novel Boleyn Ballads for my undergraduate honors thesis. First, this research delves into the medium of graphic novels and its potential for teaching history to young adult readers. Then, this research shifts to focus on the history the graphic novel depicts, that being the fall of Tudor English Queen Anne Boleyn and her brother George. With Boleyn Ballads, the depiction of the fall of Anne Boleyn aligns itself with historian Greg Walker’s theory on her fall. This research then explains the creative decision behind making George Boleyn the protagonist of Boleyn Ballads. Boleyn Ballads, my graphic novel in the historical fiction genre, depicts the fall of Tudor English Queen Anne Boleyn through the perspective of her brother George Boleyn. By making George the protagonist, I could explore the possibilities with his sexuality within the constraints of Tudor English society. Inspired by historian Retha Warnicke’s theory on George Boleyn’s sexuality, Boleyn Ballads showcases George engaging in a same-sex affair with Mark Smeaton. Boleyn Ballads depicts this affair in a realistic manner in alignment with how historian Alan Bray theorizes homosexuality and bisexuality existed within this period.
Semester/Year of Award
Spring 2024
Mentor
Catherine L. Stearn
Mentor Department Affiliation
History, Philosophy, and Religious Studies
Access Options
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Honors Scholars
Degree Level
Bachelors
Department
English
Recommended Citation
Smith, Kyle, "Writing 'Boleyn Ballads': Exploring Constraints on Sexuality within the Henrician Court through a Historical Graphic Narrative" (2024). Honors Theses. 1009.
https://encompass.eku.edu/honors_theses/1009
