The Pillars of the Earth | Ken Follett | Cliff Note Books
“The Pillars of the Earth” is a historical novel written by Ken Follett, published in 1989. The novel tells the story of the building of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge, England, during the 12th century.
The novel is divided into six parts and spans several decades, beginning in 1135 with the sudden death of King Henry I and the ensuing chaos and political upheaval. Against this backdrop, the novel follows the lives of a cast of characters whose fates are intertwined with the building of the cathedral.
The central protagonist is a master builder named Tom Builder, who is struggling to find work and provide for his family after being fired from his previous job. He is joined by his resourceful and intelligent stepson, Jack, who becomes an apprentice in the building of the cathedral. Together, they navigate the complex politics and power struggles of the time, while striving to create a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that will stand the test of time.
Along the way, they encounter a range of other characters, including the ruthless bishop Waleran Bigod, the kind-hearted monk Philip, the ambitious nobleman William Hamleigh, and the strong-willed Aliena, who becomes the driving force behind the construction of the cathedral.
The novel is notable for its detailed and vivid portrayal of medieval life, including the religious, social, and economic structures of the time. It also explores themes of power, ambition, loyalty, love, and faith, as the characters grapple with the challenges and opportunities of their era.
Overall, “The Pillars of the Earth” is a sweeping and epic tale of ambition, power, and perseverance, set against the rich historical backdrop of medieval England. It has been praised for its immersive storytelling, well-drawn characters, and evocative depiction of the era.
QUOTES
“The most powerful person is he who is able to do least himself and yet does much through the agency of others.”
“The greatest happiness comes from being vitally interested in something that excites all your energies.”
“Sometimes, my child, the greatest power is found in the humblest of places.”
“If you want to build a cathedral, don’t recruit bricklayers. Instead, teach them to long for the sound of the trumpet that will send them to the battlefield.”
“Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you really are.”
“Most of us have two lives: the life we live, and the unlived life within us.”
“The difference between God and the devil is that God creates and the devil destroys.”
“It is not the greatness of a man’s means that makes him independent, so much as the smallness of his wants.”
“The king is not God, be he can kill you.”
“People never know what they want until they see what others have.”
AUTHOR
Ken Follett is a British author, born on June 5, 1949, in Cardiff, Wales. He is best known for his historical and thriller novels, which have sold millions of copies worldwide and have been translated into numerous languages.
Follett grew up in a family of devout Christians and attended University College London, where he studied philosophy. After graduation, he worked as a journalist and later as an editor, before turning to fiction writing full-time.
Follett’s breakthrough novel was “Eye of the Needle,” published in 1978, which won the Edgar Award for Best Novel and was later adapted into a successful film. He went on to write numerous other bestsellers, including “The Pillars of the Earth,” “World Without End,” and “Fall of Giants.”
Follett is known for his meticulous research and attention to detail, particularly in his historical novels, which often span decades or even centuries. He has also written several spy thrillers and contemporary suspense novels, as well as a number of non-fiction works.
In addition to his writing, Follett is a philanthropist and supports numerous charitable causes, particularly those related to literacy and education. He is a member of the board of the National Literacy Trust and has established his own foundation to promote reading and writing skills.
Follett currently resides in Hertfordshire, England, with his wife, Barbara. He has two children and several grandchildren.
CRITICISMS
Despite its popularity, “The Pillars of the Earth” by Ken Follett has also faced some criticism from readers and critics. Here are a few common criticisms:
Lengthy and Slow-Paced: Many readers have found the book to be overly long and slow-paced, with too much emphasis on the details of medieval architecture and daily life.
Two-Dimensional Characters: Some critics have argued that the characters in the novel are too simplistic and one-dimensional, with little development or complexity beyond their initial roles in the story.
Historical Inaccuracies: Some historians and medievalists have criticized the book for its inaccuracies and anachronisms, particularly in its portrayal of architecture and engineering practices.
Gratuitous Violence and Sex: Some readers have found the book to be excessively violent and sexual, with graphic scenes that they feel are unnecessary or gratuitous.
Clichéd Plot Elements: Some critics have argued that the book relies too heavily on clichéd plot elements, such as the villainous bishop and the epic struggle against adversity, that are typical of the historical fiction genre.
It’s worth noting that these criticisms are not universal, and many readers and critics have praised the book for its immersive storytelling, well-researched historical detail, and engaging characters.
CHARACTERS
Tom Builder – A master builder who is trying to find work and provide for his family after being fired from his previous job.
Ellen – Tom’s wife, who is fiercely independent and resourceful.
Jack Jackson – Ellen’s son from a previous relationship, who becomes Tom’s apprentice in the building of the cathedral.
Prior Philip – A monk who becomes the driving force behind the construction of the cathedral, and who seeks to reform the corrupt and decadent church.
Aliena – The daughter of a nobleman who loses her family’s lands and must struggle to survive and rebuild her fortune.
William Hamleigh – A ruthless nobleman who becomes the primary antagonist of the novel.
Bishop Waleran Bigod – A manipulative and ambitious bishop who seeks to gain power and influence through the construction of the cathedral.
Richard – Earl of Shiring, a powerful nobleman who supports the construction of the cathedral and becomes a close ally of Prior Philip.
Francis – A young monk who becomes embroiled in the political and personal conflicts surrounding the construction of the cathedral.
Remigius – A corrupt and venal monk who is in league with Bishop Bigod.
THEMES
Power and Politics – The novel examines the ways in which power is wielded and contested by various individuals and institutions, including the church, the nobility, and the common people.
Religion and Faith – The book explores the role of religion and faith in medieval life, as well as the ways in which religious institutions and leaders can be corrupted or manipulated for personal gain.
Art and Architecture – The novel focuses on the construction of a grand cathedral, and explores the artistic and engineering challenges involved in building such a structure.
Love and Romance – The book features several romantic relationships, including the love story between Jack and Aliena, and explores the role of love and passion in medieval society.
Gender and Power – The novel touches on issues of gender and power, including the limited opportunities available to women in medieval society and the ways in which men use their power to dominate and control others.
Loyalty and Betrayal – The book examines the complicated nature of loyalty and betrayal, and the ways in which personal ambition and desire can lead individuals to betray their friends and allies.
Social Justice – The novel highlights the plight of the poor and disenfranchised in medieval society, and explores the ways in which individuals can work to create a more just and equitable world.
SUMMARIES
Chapter 1: The novel opens with the sudden death of King Henry I of England, setting the stage for a period of political turmoil and uncertainty.
Chapter 2: We are introduced to Tom Builder, a master builder who is struggling to find work and provide for his family after being fired from his previous job.
Chapter 3: Tom encounters a young boy named Jack Jackson, who is wandering alone in the forest. Jack reveals that his mother has died and he has nowhere to go, and Tom takes him in as his apprentice.
Chapter 4: Tom and Jack begin building a new home for themselves, using the skills and knowledge that Tom has acquired over years of working as a builder.
Chapter 5: We meet Prior Philip, a monk who is seeking to build a grand cathedral in the town of Kingsbridge. Philip is determined to create a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that will rival any cathedral in England.
Chapter 6: We are introduced to Aliena, the daughter of a nobleman who has lost his lands and titles. Aliena is determined to reclaim her family’s fortune and restore their name to its former glory.
Chapter 7: William Hamleigh, a ruthless and ambitious nobleman, sets his sights on Aliena and seeks to marry her in order to gain control of her family’s lands.
Chapter 8: Tom and Jack arrive in Kingsbridge and begin working on the construction of the cathedral. They meet other builders and laborers who are involved in the project, including Ellen, Tom’s resourceful and intelligent wife.
Chapter 9: Aliena and her brother Richard arrive in Kingsbridge and begin rebuilding their family’s wool business. They encounter Prior Philip and become involved in the cathedral project.
Chapter 10: William Hamleigh and his father, Lord Percy, arrive in Kingsbridge and begin plotting to undermine the cathedral project and consolidate their own power. The stage is set for a struggle between the forces of good and evil in Kingsbridge.
Chapter 11: The construction of the cathedral continues, but progress is slow due to the limited resources and funds available. The builders struggle to overcome technical challenges and setbacks, including a fire that destroys part of the cathedral.
Chapter 12: Aliena and Richard are forced to flee Kingsbridge after William Hamleigh accuses them of theft. They encounter a Welsh prince named Gruffydd, who takes them in and offers to help them regain their lands.
Chapter 13: Prior Philip begins to realize the extent of the corruption and greed within the church hierarchy, as well as the political machinations of Bishop Waleran Bigod.
Chapter 14: Tom Builder and his family encounter a group of wandering monks, including Brother Cuthbert, who becomes a key figure in the construction of the cathedral.
Chapter 15: William Hamleigh and his allies plot to take control of the town of Kingsbridge, while Prior Philip and his supporters work to thwart their plans.
Chapter 16: Tom Builder falls ill and is unable to work on the cathedral. His son Alfred, who is jealous of Jack’s success, begins to scheme against him.
Chapter 17: Aliena and Richard return to Kingsbridge with a new plan to reclaim their lands and defeat William Hamleigh.
Chapter 18: Jack and Aliena’s romance begins to blossom, but they face challenges and obstacles as they struggle to overcome the social and economic barriers that separate them.
Chapter 19: The cathedral project suffers a major setback when the stonemasons go on strike, demanding better working conditions and higher wages.
Chapter 20: Prior Philip and his allies struggle to find a way to resume construction on the cathedral, while William Hamleigh and his allies seek to capitalize on the chaos and gain power.
Chapter 21: Prior Philip and his allies manage to resolve the strike and resume construction on the cathedral. They also begin to investigate the various forces working against them, including Bishop Waleran Bigod and the Hamleigh family.
Chapter 22: Aliena and Richard launch a daring plan to regain their lands and defeat William Hamleigh. They are aided by Jack and his knowledge of engineering and architecture.
Chapter 23: The plan to defeat William Hamleigh goes awry, leading to a violent confrontation and the death of several key characters.
Chapter 24: Prior Philip and his allies continue to work to complete the cathedral, despite numerous setbacks and challenges. They face opposition from Bishop Waleran and his allies, as well as from the corrupt and decadent church hierarchy.
Chapter 25: Aliena and Richard marry and begin to rebuild their lands and fortune. They also become involved in the political and social issues of the day, seeking to create a more just and equitable society.
Chapter 26: Jack and Aliena’s romance is threatened when Jack is accused of murder. He must go on the run to avoid arrest and clear his name.
Chapter 27: Tom Builder dies, leaving behind a legacy of great works and achievements. His family and friends mourn his passing and reflect on the impact he had on their lives.
Chapter 28: Prior Philip’s efforts to complete the cathedral reach a critical juncture, as the final phase of construction begins. He faces opposition from Bishop Waleran and others who seek to undermine his work.
Chapter 29: The final phase of construction on the cathedral is completed, and it is consecrated in a grand ceremony attended by many of the novel’s main characters. The completion of the cathedral represents a triumph of human skill and ingenuity over adversity and hardship.
Chapter 30: The novel concludes with a series of epilogues, in which we learn the fates of the various characters and their descendants. We see how the cathedral has become a symbol of hope and aspiration for future generations, and how the struggles and triumphs of the characters have left a lasting impact on the world around them.