Loyalty

Both loyalty and disloyalty abound in this novel. Starting with the main character, we see that Hannah is loyal to many people. She is loyal to her father and does his bidding and works beside him without complaint. She is not pleased about the idea of an arranged marriage but understands it is the proper thing to do, not just for her immediate family, but also for the Jewish culture to which she belongs. When considering the royal family, Hannah is loyal again. Although Queen Mary and Princess Elizabeth are at odds, Hannah loves them both. She visits with each in turn and although she is exposed to harsh descriptions of each from the other, she does not betray either woman. When many English citizens wish Queen Mary ill will, Hannah supports Mary and testifies to her virtuous nature. Even when Mary begins burning heretics and Hannah fears...