Lady Clementine

Clementine Churchill and Winston Churchill both recognize their future place in history, even as that history unfolds around them. Clementine’s frequent invocation of her possible mention in the history she and Winston create, however, also highlights that she fears her own contributions may not be recognized by others. By wondering if she will be reduced to a footnote or a lacuna in the historical record, Clementine recognizes the repeated erasure of women from the annals of the past.

Clementine’s awareness of her own role in history shows her determination not to be eclipsed by Winston’s career. At the outbreak of World War II, she observes, “Once again, as we had in the Great War, Winston and I stand on the brink of history” (231, emphasis added), with her confident phrasing “Winston and I” making it clear that they are both active actors in the events at play. As she matures, Clementine becomes more confident and assertive in regarding herself as an equal to her husband: “I will wait for no one to invite me into history” (239, emphasis added), she eventually declares, embracing the fact that, if she wishes to be remembered, she will have to believe in her own agency and importance instead of “wait[ing]” for someone to “invite” her into the historical record.