# Scene III explained — Henry VIII

> Chapter companion for Henry VIII by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Anne Bullen and an Old Lady discuss the plight of Queen Katherine, with Anne expressing her reluctance to become queen. The Lord Chamberlain arrives and informs Anne that King Henry has appointed her Marchioness of Pembroke with a thousand pounds a year. The Old Lady teases Anne about her newfound fortune and the potential for higher honors.

## Themes in this chapter

### Gender and Power

Anne's reluctance to become queen contrasts with the Old Lady's pragmatic view of power and wealth, highlighting the constraints and opportunities for women in the Tudor court.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Anne professes not to desire queenship, yet the Old Lady sees through her 'hypocrisy,' suggesting that public modesty may mask private ambition.

## Character check-ins

### Anne Bullen

Expresses sympathy for Queen Katherine and reluctance to become queen, but is granted the title Marchioness of Pembroke by the king.

### Old Lady

Engages in a witty exchange with Anne, teasing her about her ambitions and the king's favor.

### Lord Chamberlain

Delivers the king's offer of the title Marchioness of Pembroke to Anne and observes her virtues.

## Key lines

> I would not be a queen For all the world.

Anne insists she would never want to be queen, no matter what.

_Anne's protestation of disinterest in royalty, which the Old Lady doubts._

> The king's majesty Commends his good opinion of you, and Does purpose honour to you no less flowing Than Marchioness of Pembroke.

The king thinks highly of you and intends to grant you the title of Marchioness of Pembroke.

_The Lord Chamberlain announces Anne's elevation to the peerage._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/henry_viii_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-iii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/henry_viii_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/henry_viii_se/chapters