Henry VIII · Chapter
Scene II explained
In an ante-chamber, the Lord Chamberlain reads a letter about Cardinal Wolsey's seizure of horses.
What happens
In an ante-chamber, the Lord Chamberlain reads a letter about Cardinal Wolsey's seizure of horses. The Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk discuss the king's troubled conscience over his marriage, blaming Wolsey's influence. The king enters, initially angry at the intrusion, but welcomes Wolsey and Campeius, who present a commission for the divorce trial. Wolsey promotes Gardiner as the king's new secretary, and the king orders the queen to be informed of the proceedings at Blackfriars.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Ambition
Wolsey's overreach is evident in seizing horses and controlling access to the king, while Norfolk and Suffolk resent his influence.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Norfolk and Suffolk's criticism of Wolsey contrasts with the king's trust in him, and Gardiner's loyalty to Wolsey is highlighted.
Appearance vs. Reality
The king's public piety and conscience are questioned by Suffolk, who suggests his motives are driven by desire for Anne Bullen.
Characters to notice
- Lord Chamberlain
Reads a letter about Wolsey's seizure of horses and discusses the king's troubled conscience with Norfolk and Suffolk.
- Duke of Norfolk
Criticizes Wolsey's influence and the king's conscience, and later is dismissed by the king.
- Brandon
Appears as Suffolk, discussing the king's state and Wolsey's pride.
- King Henry VIII
Appears pensive over his marriage, welcomes Wolsey and Campeius, and appoints Gardiner as secretary.
- Cardinal Wolsey
Presents Campeius and the commission, promotes Gardiner, and defends his actions against criticism.
- Cardinal Campeius
Arrives with the commission from Rome and questions Wolsey about Doctor Pace.
- Gardiner
Appointed as the king's new secretary, acknowledging Wolsey's role in his rise.
Key passages
“It seems the marriage with his brother's wife Has crept too near his conscience.”
The king is troubled by the thought that marrying his brother's widow may be sinful.
Norfolk explains the king's inner conflict to the Lord Chamberlain.
“He dives into the king's soul, and there scatters Dangers, doubts, wringing of the conscience, Fears, and despairs; and all these for his marriage: And out of all these to restore the king, He counsels a divorce.”
Wolsey manipulates the king's conscience by planting doubts about his marriage, then suggests divorce as the solution.
Norfolk accuses Wolsey of engineering the king's scruples to serve his own political ends.
“I would not be so sick though for his place: But this cannot continue.”
I wouldn't want Wolsey's position if it means being so arrogant; this situation won't last.
Suffolk comments on Wolsey's pride, predicting his downfall.