Henry VIII
(William Shakespeare)

Prologue

The prologue is used to set up the foundation for the reader and put them in the appropriate state of mind, emotionally. Shakespeare’s intention with this prologue is to prepare the audience for a sad, dramatic story in which dignified people do undignified things.

Shakespeare tells the audience that he is not here to make them laugh. His focus this time is “sad, high,” and “full of state and woe.” He stresses the fact that this play is not a comedy, but rather an illustration of power and pity. He tells the audience to put themselves in a sad state and to see the people on stage as real people, not actors.

Act 1

Act One, Scene One

The play opens with Norfolk and the Dukes of Buckingham engaging in a discussion of their last meeting in France. Buckingham was sick in his room, while Norfolk witnessed the scene between King Henry VIII and King Francis I saluting one another on horseback. Everyone was shining in gold “like heathen gods.”

Cardinal Wolsey arranged this meeting between the kings, both which were “equal in lustre.” Buckingham openly expresses his hatred toward Wolsey, as he remembers that Wolsey is the son of a butcher, not a nobleman. Wolsey does not come from a noble background and has no noble ancestry, automatically placing him at a disadvantage to work his way up. He is on a different level in society. Because of this, Wolsey creates his own destiny and maneuvers his way into the king’s life.

The dukes analyze him, as Norfolk states that he is “spider-like,/ Out of his self-drawing web, he gives us note,/ The force of his own merit makes his way/ A give that heaven gives for him, which buys/ A place next to the king.” He is a self-made man full of pride (too much of it, in fact). Wolsey is so prideful that he made it his duty to assign the officials who attended the meeting between Henry and Francis I.

Many people spent a fortune on clothing for the event, and Norfolk thought that the trip cost more than the peaceful treaty they sought, as he states, “Grievingly I think,/ The peace between the French and us, not values/ The cost that did conclude it.” And that was an intriguing thought because the storm that hit foreshadowed a break in the peace.

Wolsey then enters, and he and Buckingham exchange scornful looks with one another. Buckingham becomes angry after Wolsey’s departure, and he starts to follow Wolsey until Norfolk becomes the voice of reason by stating, “Heat not a furnace for your foe so hot/ That it do singe yourself; we may outrun,/ By violent swiftness, that which we run at,/ And lose by over-running.” Though Buckingham agrees with this statement, he still maintains his position on wanting to exposing Wolsey to the king. He is bothered by the fact that Wolsey “doe buy and sell his honour as he pleases,/ And for his own advantage.”

Buckingham is then arrested for treason, at Wolsey’s command.

Act One, Scene Two

Prepared to hear the details of Buckingham’s treason, the king enters and leans on Wolsey’s shoulder. But before he can hear what happened, Queen Katharine enters to defend Buckingham. Norfolk and Suffolk join her. She tells the king that the people are unhappy about Wolsey’s decisions and that their loyalty is slowly diminishing because of Wolsey and his policies. Katharine, however, is careful with her words because Wolsey is there to hear her speak of her disapproval. Because of this, she makes sure to state that the people are just as bothered by the king, as well, because of the power he trust Wolsey with.

This is when the tax situation gets brought to the table. Norfolk announces his dissatisfaction with the current taxations. Henry has no idea what he is talking about as he isn’t aware of these taxes. He then asks Wolsey to explain. Henry finds out that the people are taxed at such a high rate to support the wars in France. Henry is of course not happy with this, but Wolsey points out that he is just one person and the decision for such votes are ultimately up to the judges.

Though Wolsey doesn’t show much care or concern for the people, Henry does. Henry states, “We must not rend our subjects from our laws,/ And stick them in our will.” Henry expresses his utter disagreement with these taxes: “Sixth part of each?/ A trembling contribution! Why, we take/ From every tree lop, bark, and part o’ the timber;/ And, though, we leave it with a root, thus hack’d,/ The air will drink the sap. To every county/ Where this is question’d send our letters, with/ Free pardon to each ma that has denied/ The force of this commission: pray, look to’t;/ I put it to your care.” Wolsey, however, tells his secretary to word the letters to make it sound like he was the one to put these positive changes into motion.

Katharine again brings up the arrest of Buckingham and expresses how she disagrees with what has happened. A surveyor is requested to tell what he knows of Buckingham, and he said that Buckingham sought the throne. He also said that Buckingham planned on getting back at Wolsey. Though Katharine recounts that the surveyor was fired by Buckingham, which might an influence for what he is saying, Henry requests to hear more because he is bothered by what Buckingham was apparently plotting.

Henry decides that Buckingham is, in fact, guilty and orders him to go to trial.

Act One, Scene Three & Four

Scene 3 is a short scene telling us that there is a large supper at Cardinal Wolsey’s York Place, and many ladies and lords will be there.

Lord Sands and Lord Chamberlin talk about the nobles’ peculiar behavior upon their return from France. The fashion they adopted seem comical to the lords and they spend time joking with each other about it. Lovell then enters and also agrees with the other lords’ stated opinions.

At the beginning of the dinner party, Sir Henry Guildford welcomes everyone by telling them that a good time is to be had by everyone. Sands gets seated next to Anne Bullen and proceeds to flirt with her. Wolsey then enters, stating “That noble lady or gentleman that is not freely merry/ Is not my friend.”

A group of French shepherds then arrive, and Henry sends Lord Chamberlain to greet them since he speaks French. Wolsey invites them inside and learns that they are actually Henry and some of his men dressed in disguise. They heard exciting news of Wolsey’s party and had to check it out for themselves, which is what brought them there.

Everyone begins to dance with one another. Henry dances with Anne and becomes infatuated with her. He states, “By heaven, she is a dainty one.”

Act 2

Act Two, Scene One

In a street in Westminister, two men discuss what has happened with Buckingham. One of the men was at the trial and tells the other that, even though he pleaded not guilty, Buckingham was found guilty of treason and explains that he was sentenced to death. He also explained that Buckingham handled it well and defended himself in an upright, mature manner. He did not expose fear of death, but rather fear of dying for an unjust cause.

Buckingham then brings up the fall of his father, who was killed by Richard III, a king he was quite loyal to. When King Henry’s father took Richard III’s spot as king, he sympathized with Buckingham, therefore allowing him to reestablish his honor. And now, that king’s son has stripped him of it, much like Richard III did to Buckingham’s father. They were both taken down by men they served and to whom they were utterly loyal. Buckingham goes, peacefully, stating, “I forgive all... No black envy shall mark my grave.”

The other man openly expresses his ill feelings towards Wolsey: “All the commoners hate him perniciously and, o’ my conscience,/ Wish him ten fathom deep.” Both men agree that these events were unfortunate ones. One man then whispers to the other the rumor of Henry and Katharine ’s supposed separation. The men also have a feeling that Wolsey is the one who even put the thought in the king’s head in the first place. Cardinal Campeius then arrives from Rome to talk about the rumor, confirming that it is, in fact, true.

Act Two, Scene Two

Lord Chamberlain and the Dukes of Suffolk and Norfolk meet to talk about Wolsey. They say that Wolsey is the reason England’s relationship with the Emperor is now ruined. They also say that Wolsey has had much success in controlling the king’s thoughts. Suffolk thinks that the only way the king will be able to think logically again is when he gets rid of Wolsey.

Meanwhile, Henry is worrying about his marriage to Katharine, and Wolsey isn’t making it any easier on Henry by causing him to be even more suspicious and unsure than he already is. Norfolk gets worked up about the situation, especially seeing as Katharine has been nothing but a loyal wife to Henry for 20 years. Norfolk and Suffolk then go to talk to the king, just to get ignored and kicked out of his chambers.

Wolsey explains that no one can be upset with the king for choosing to end his marriage to Katharine. His reasoning for this claim is the fact that the Pope has been asked to examine the king’s decision. Henry calls Gardiner into the room (who used to be Wolsey’s secretary). Gardiner tells Wolsey that, even though he belongs to the king now, his first loyalty is to Wolsey. Even though Henry is saddened to leave Katharine, as he recognizes she is a good wife, he insists that it is unconditionally necessary.

Act Two, Scene Three

Anne Bullen and an “old lady” discuss the situation surrounding Katharine. They agree that the treatment she has received is nothing short of a crime, especially for someone as humble and kind as Katharine. They do not believe someone like her should have to suffer such a fall. It is Anne’s opinion that “‘tis better to be lowly born,/ And range with humble livers in content,/ Than to be perk’d up in a glistering grief,/ And wear a golden sorrow.” In other words, she thinks it is better to be poor and happy than rich and unhappy.

Anne then states, “By my troth and maidenhead, I would not be queen.” However, the old lady quickly accuses her of being a hypocrite, stating that she would happy be queen if she had the chance. That is when Anne responds that she would not be queen, “not for all the riches under heaven.”

The Lord Chamberlain enters and relays a message from the king of his high regard for her: “You bear a gentle mind, and heavenly blessings/ Follow such creatures.../ the king’s majesty/ Commends his good opinion of you, and/ Does purpose honour to you no less flowing/ Than Marchioness of Pembroke:/ to which title/ A thousand pound a year, annual support,/ Out of his grace he adds.” In other words, the king has given Anne a higher annual income, as well as a new title. Though the old lady is a little worked up at the fact that she has never gotten this kind of treatment in the 16 years she’s been working at the court, Anne requests that she not say anything to Katharine about this.

Act Two, Scene Four

Black-Friars is the courtroom that the divorce hearings took place. Several officials were in attendance, including Cardinal Wolsey and Campeius, the Archbishop of Canterbury, some bishops, nobleman, and of course the royal couple.

Katharine kneels at Henry’s feet and states her one desire: “...I desire you do me right and justice;/ And to bestow your pity on me: for/ I am a most poor woman, and a stranger,/ Born out of your dominions; having here/ No judge indifferent, nor no more assurance/ Of equal friendship and proceeding.” In this statement, Katharine is fundamentally asking the king to have pity on her. She then proceeds to ask how she has offended him and what she did to have ultimately led him to this decision. She has been such a loyal and humble wife that she is having a hard time understanding what led to the demise of their marriage.

Katharine requests some time to consult with Spain before taking this trial to the next step. Wolsey states that the king is set in his decision, and no one can convince him otherwise, therefore seeing no point in putting the trial off any longer.

Katharine then openly states that Wolsey is her enemy, and she believes that it is because of him that all of this is happening. Wolsey, of course, denies any involvement in Henry’s decision and lets it be known that this situation has been discussed by many others. She repeats over and over that she will not be judged by him.

She says that Wolsey is arrogant, and she cannot defend herself against him: “My lord, my lord,/ I am a simple woman, much too weak/ To oppose your cunning. You’re meek and/ humble-mouth’d;/ You sign your place and calling, in full seeming,/ With meekness and humility; but your heart/ Is cramm’d with arrogancy, spleen, and pride.”

She also states that he has gone too far to gain that kind of power over the king: “You have, by fortune and his highness’ favours,/ Gone slightly o’er low steps and now are mounted/ Where posers are your retainers, and your words,/ Domestics to you, serve your will as’t please/ Yourself pronounce their office. I must tell you,/ You tender more your person’s honour than/ Your high profession spiritual..”

Katharine then departs, and Henry admits that she is a lovely wife and queen, stating that she is “the queen of earthly queens.” He then recounts the reason he chose to divorce her in the first place-- he wanted a son and realized he had to marry another woman in order to make that happen. The scene ends with Henry scorning the whole process expressing disdain toward Rome. He is excited for Cranmer’s return.

Act 3

Act Three, Scene One

The queen is in her apartment in London and asks a maiden to play a song on the lute for her to cheer her up from her sadness. Before the maiden can genuinely get into it, the queen learns that cardinals Wolsey and Campeius are there to see her. They claim to have come with peace, curios of her thoughts. But, of course, Katherine does not believe they are there for that reason. She states, “Alas, I am a woman, friendless, hopeless!”

Campeius tries to convince Katherine that the king will continue to protect her and urges her to cooperate with him. He tells her to be mindful of Henry’s yearn to continue his royalty with a male heir. However, Katherine states, “Is this your Christian counsel? Our upon ye!” She sees through them. She knows these are the cardinals’ desires, not Henry’s. She is disgusted at their advice to trust someone who has outwardly rejected her.

She has spent all these years being a faithful wife and devoting herself to the needs of her husband. Because of that, she refuses to surrender her royal title: “I dare not make myself so guilty to give up willingly that noble title your master wed me to: nothing but death/ Shall e’er divorce my dignities.” Campeius tells that Henry still loves her and to forget about her sadness.

Katherine then changes positions and begs them to counsel her, declaring “Do what ye will, my lords: and, pray, forgive me,/ If I have used myself unmannerly;/ You know I am a woman, lacking wit/ To make a seemly answer to such persons./ Pray, do my service to his majesty:/ He has my heart yet;/ and shall have my prayers/ While I shall have my life. Come, reverend fathers,/ Bestow your counsels on me: she now begs,/ That little though, when she set footing here,/ She should have bought her dignities so dear.”

Act Three, Scene Two

The Dukes of Suffolk and Norfolk, Earl of Surrey, and Lord Chamberlain are all talking. Norfolk wants everyone to bring together their complains against Wolsey so that he will not be a threat any longer. Chamberlain, however, informs everyone that nothing can happen until Wolsey is totally barred from Henry. Norfolk then brings to everyone’s attention the fact that the king is already catching onto Wolsey’s actions and is becoming angered by him. He tells them that Henry is aware of what Wolsey did with the divorce situation, and it is unlikely that the king will put much trust in Wolsey’s hands at this point.

The way that Henry found out about Wolsey’s activity is by accidentally receiving a letter that Wolsey wrote which was intended to be delivered to the Pope. Wolsey tried to get the Pope to delay Henry’s marriage to Anne Bullen by telling him (the Pope) to reject Henry’s divorce, but when that letter was accidentally received by Henry, he was filled with fury to learn of Wolsey’s deceit. Chamberlain then announces that the king has already marred Anne. Suffolk expresses his approval, as he thinks that Anne will bring much good to the land.

Cranmer is soon to return from his visit to all the well-known colleges of Christendom (who all support Henry’s decision to divorce). From there, Cranmer will soon be named Archbishop of Canterbury and Katherine will no longer hold the title of queen. Instead, she will be named “Princess Dowager.”

Wolsey then enters with Cromwell, and Wolsey asks whether Henry has read what was inside the packet. It is clear that Wolsey is unaware of the depth of the damage done, because he voices his desire for Henry to marry the French king’s daughter (the Duchess of Alencon), rather than Anne. Wolsey wants no part in Anne, as he does not believe she would fit in well because of her Lutheran background. He states, “...yet I know her for/ A spleeny Lutheran; and not wholesome to/ Our cause, that she should lie i’ the bosom of/ Our hard-ruled king.” Wolsey then expresses jealousy over Cranmer’s relationship to the king, saying that he is a threat: “one hath crawled into the favour of the King and his oracle.”

Henry then enters as he examines a document revealing how much money Wolsey has so selfishly accumulated. Henry is clearly outraged by this and asks the lords if they have seen him (Wolsey). They tell Henry that Wolsey seems to be quite upset (they couldn’t hear what Wolsey was saying, but they did see his obvious irritation.

Henry then confronts Wolsey. Wolsey declares his faithfulness to Henry and reiterates that his intentions were always pure. Henry doesn’t buy it. He hands Wolsey the papers and the letter, then leaves, obviously appalled. Wolsey seems to be confused by Henry’s fury, and then he looks at what the king handed to him. Wolsey discovers the documents illustrating his wealth, as well as the letter which was intended for the Pope. It is in this moment that Wolsey realizes that there is no possible way he can get himself out of this. That is when he says to himself, “Nay then, farwell!/ I have touch’d the highest point of all my greatness;/ And, from that full meridian of my glory,/ I haste now to my setting: I shall fall/ Like a bright exhalation in the evening,/ And no man see me more.”

The four men-- Suffolk, Norfolk, Surrey, and Chamberlain-- then enter and demand Wolsey to hand over the great seal, per the king’s orders. He is also instructed to stay in his house until he hears from Henry. Wolsey refuses to do this, stating that these men are envious; he prefers to hand the seal to Henry himself.

Wolsey is to surrender all of his goods and is left with no more protection from the king. Left alone with his thoughts, Wolsey says, “I have ventured,/ Like little wanton boys that swim on bladders,/ This many summers in a sea of glory,/ But far beyond my depth. My high-blown pride/ At length broke under me and how has left me,/ Wear and old with service, to the mercy/ Of a rude stream, that must for ever hide me.” This is the moment that Wolsey seems himself for who he truly is.

Cromwell then enters with sorrow at Wolsey’s fate. Wolsey tells him not to be sad, and that he has never felt better, for he now knows himself. Wolsey says, “I feel within me/ A peace above all earthly dignities,/ A still and quite conscience.” Cromwell tells him that Cranmer is now Lord Archbishop of Canterbury and Anne is now Henry’s wife and queen.

This is the moment we see, for the first time, true sincerity in Wolsey’s words: “Cromwell, I charge thee, fling away ambition!/ By that sin fell the angels; how can man, then,/ The image of his Maker, hope to win by it?/ Love thyself last. Cherish those hearts that hate thee;/ Corruption wins not more than honesty.../ By just and fear not./ Le all the ends thou aim’st at be thy counry’s,/ Thy God’s, and truth’s; then if thou fall’st, Cromwell,/ Thou fall’st a blessed martyr! Serve the king!”

Here, we see Wolsey telling Cromwell how to avoid the fate that Wolsey is now enduring. He urges Cromwell to live a selfless life, and to love himself last and cherish the ones who hate him.

Perhaps most importantly, he demands Cromwell to serve the king.

Act 4

Act Four, Scene One

Scene one starts with two men (who met last time for Buckingham’s trial) waiting for Anne Bullen, now queen, to pass on her way to her cornoration. Other than the fact that Katherine is now residing in Kimbolton and has gotten sick, this marks a shift in the mood of the play. From Buckingham’s trial to Anne’s coronation, the mood is taking a turn for the better (for now).

Their coronation passes, and when Anne arrives, people are captivated by her beauty. They compare her to an angel. A third man then enters, who tells the events of the ceremony. Though the even is a happy one and everyone is totally enamored of Anne, trouble is clearly brewing between Cranmer and Gardiner (Bishop of Winchester). It is rumored that Gardiner does not like Cranmer.

Act Four, Scene Two

Katherine is sick in her apartment, and asks her servants to tell her the details about the death of Wolsey. It is said that he was arrested in York by the Earl of Northumberland, and he (Wolsey) became sick en route to London. A room was arranged for him in Leicester, where he died.

Katherine recalls his character saying that he lied and brought ruin to the kingdom. Griffith (her attendant), on the other hand, spoke nicely of Wolsey: “He was a scholar, a ripe and good one; Exceeding wise, fair-spoken, and persuading:/ Lofty and sour to them that loved him not;/ But to those men that sought him sweet as summer.”

Griffith’s words causes Katherine to reconsider her feelings towards Wolsey. She then falls asleep, seeing a vision of six people dressed in white robes holding garlands above their heads. Katherine then wakes up yells for “these spirits of peace.” No one else sees them, though. Griffith and one of Katherine’s servants notice that she is turning pale and seems to be near death.

Capucius, an ambassador from her father, then arrives. He says Henry sent him and Katherine hands him a letter to deliver to Henry. The letter requests that her servants be well looked after. Katherine tells Capucius to give Henry her best and tell him she is on the brink of death: “Tell him, in death, I blessed him, for so I will.” Katherine then goes into the details of what she wishes her funeral be like.

Act 5

Act Five, Scene One

Gardiner meets with Sir Thomas Lovell in one of the palace galleries. Gardiner questions Lovell as to why he wants to meet so late in the night, and he says that Anne is about to give birth. Gardiner does not care much for Anne and does not believe she is the best fit to raise the heir to the throne. Gardiner does not think the kingdom will be safe until Anne, Cromwell, and Cranmer are all dead, despite their high positions with the king. Gardiner says that he has already expressed his belief that Cranmer is a heretic, and Cranmer is to be examined by the Council the following morning.

Henry, Suffolk, and Lovell talk about Anne’s labor pains. Henry sends Suffolk away because he has to think. Cranmer enters with Denny. Henry then sends away Denny and Lovell. Henry discusses with Cranmer the many bad rumors he has heard about him (Cranmer). Cranmer is meeting with the council in the morning, but Henry isn’t afraid because he knows that Cranmer is an upright man. This is when Henry gives Cranmer the signet ring, which is to be shown at the council if they find him guilty. It is intended to protect him, by showing that Henry is on his side.

Lovell and the old lady then enter to tell Henry his child is born. Though Henry wants a boy and demands that they tell him it is such, he actually had a daughter.

Act Five, Scene Two, Three & Four

Cranmer is told to wait until the council is ready for him. Henry enters at a window above. Henry is disgusted by the way the council is treating Cranmer. Henry states, “there’s one above ‘em yet... By holy Mary, there’s knavery.” The Lord Chancellor and Gardiner express their disappointment in Cranmer’s supposed behavior. They say that such behavior shall be punished.

Cranmer states that he has never done wrong and his teachings always come from a pure place. He wants to know what exactly he is being accused of. But since Cranmer is a member of the council, no one can complain against him. Because of that, Gardiner says that it is Henry’s wish to imprison Cranmer in the Tower of London.

When a guard enters to take Cranmer away, Cranmer presents the ring. This is when the council members realize how high the king holds Cranmer, and they revoke their decision. The king then comes down from the window, and Gardiner realizes he has to save himself, because he had no idea the king was up there. Gardiner states, “Dread sovereign, how much are we bound to Heaven/ In daily thanks, that gave us such a prince;/ Not only good and wise, but most religious;/ One that, in all obedience, makes the church/ The chief aim of his honour; and, to strengthen/ That holy duty, out of dear respect,/ His royal self in judgment comes to hear/ The cause betwixt her and his great offender.”

Henry isn’t interested in Gardiner’s words and sees right through them: “You were ever good at sudden commendations, Bishop of Winchester. But know, I come not to hear such flattery now.” Henry does not trust Gardiner’s intentions.

Henry then tells the council of his disappointment in making Cranmer wait. The king tells him that he thought they were wise men, just to learn they are not. He then demands that they trust Cranmer, much like he does. Henry then requests the council baptize his daughter, and chooses Cranmer to be her godfather.

Act Five, Scene Five

Cranmer baptizes Henry’s daughter and announces her name as Elizabeth. Cranmer also announces how great Elizabeth’s future will be. He says that she will bring greatness to England, saying she will bring “a thousand blessings.” Cranmer says that Elizabeth “shall be loved and feared: her own shall bless her;/ Her foes shake like a field of beaten corn/ And hang their heads with sorrow.”

Cranmer goes on speaking highly of Elizabeth’s future, and Henry is blown away by Cranmer’s words. Henry states, “This oracle of comfort has so pleased me/ That when I am in heaven I shall desire/ To see what this child does, and praise my Maker.”

Epilogue

The epilogue states that this play likely did not please everyone, and might have even put some to sleep: “‘Tis ten to one this play can never please/ All that are here: some come to take their ease,/ And sleep an act or two.” It states that others might have come “to hear the city abused extremely” and laugh at the way the court is made fun of, which did not happen either. The epilogue then states that the only thing the play did do was entertain the women: “For this play at this tie, is only in/ The merciful construction of good women;/ For such a one we show’d ‘em: if they smile,/ And say ‘twill do, I know, within a while/ All the best men are ours; for ‘tis ill hap,/ If they hold when their ladies bid ‘em clap.” In other words, if the women were clapping, their men better have been clapping, as well!