Henry VIII · Chapter
Scene II explained
In the council chamber, the King, leaning on Cardinal Wolsey, thanks him for thwarting a conspiracy.
What happens
In the council chamber, the King, leaning on Cardinal Wolsey, thanks him for thwarting a conspiracy. Queen Katherine enters and petitions the King about oppressive tax commissions causing unrest. The King, unaware, revokes the taxes and blames Wolsey. The Surveyor then testifies against the Duke of Buckingham, accusing him of treasonous words and a plot to seize the throne, leading to Buckingham's arrest.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Ambition
Buckingham's alleged ambition to seize the throne and Wolsey's manipulation of the tax pardon highlight the pursuit and consolidation of power.
Justice and Injustice
Queen Katherine pleads for tax relief for the oppressed commons, while the Surveyor's testimony raises questions about the fairness of the accusations against Buckingham.
Loyalty and Betrayal
The Surveyor, once Buckingham's trusted servant, betrays him with testimony, and the King's trust in Wolsey is contrasted with the Cardinal's self-serving actions.
Characters to notice
- King Henry VIII
Leans on Wolsey, thanks him for uncovering a conspiracy, hears Queen Katherine's petition, revokes the tax commission, and orders Buckingham's arrest after the Surveyor's testimony.
- Cardinal Wolsey
Stands under the King's feet, defends himself against accusations of devising the taxes, and secretly arranges for the pardon to be credited to his own intercession.
- Queen Katherine
Kneels to petition the King about the people's grievances from tax commissions, warns the Surveyor against false testimony, and expresses sorrow for Buckingham's situation.
- Duke of Buckingham
Accused by the Surveyor of treasonous statements and plotting to seize the crown; the King orders his arrest and trial.
- Surveyor
Former servant of Buckingham, testifies against him, recounting prophecies and threats against the King and Wolsey.
- Duke of Norfolk
Ushers Queen Katherine into the council chamber and confirms the severity of the tax-related unrest.
- Nicholas Hopkins
A Chartreux monk and Buckingham's confessor, mentioned as feeding Buckingham with prophecies of sovereignty.
Key passages
“My life itself, and the best heart of it, Thanks you for this great care: I stood i' the level Of a full-charged confederacy, and give thanks To you that choked it.”
The King thanks Wolsey for saving him from a dangerous conspiracy.
The King expresses gratitude for Wolsey's role in uncovering a plot against him.
“The subjects' grief Comes through commissions, which compel from each The sixth part of his substance, to be levied Without delay; and the pretence for this Is named, your wars in France.”
Queen Katherine reports that the people are suffering under a tax demanding a sixth of their wealth for the French wars.
Katherine brings the people's grievances to the King's attention.
“If I know you well, You were the duke's surveyor, and lost your office On the complaint o' the tenants: take good heed You charge not in your spleen a noble person And spoil your nobler soul.”
Queen Katherine warns the Surveyor not to let personal spite lead him to falsely accuse Buckingham.
Katherine questions the Surveyor's motives due to his past dismissal.
“A giant traitor!”
The King calls Buckingham a monstrous traitor.
The King's reaction to the Surveyor's revelation of Buckingham's murderous intentions.
