Scene III explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Power and Ambition

  The council's attempt to destroy Cranmer and the king's assertion of absolute authority highlight the struggle for power at court.

• Justice and Injustice

  Cranmer's unfair trial and the king's intervention raise questions about the nature of justice and mercy.

• Loyalty and Betrayal

  Gardiner's betrayal of Cranmer contrasts with Cromwell's loyalty and the king's ultimate defense of his archbishop.

• Religion and Conscience

  The accusations of heresy and Cranmer's defense of his teachings underscore the conflict between religious conviction and political expediency.

Characters to notice

• Cranmer

  Accused of heresy by the council, produces the king's ring, and is ultimately vindicated and honored by Henry.

• King Henry VIII

  Intervenes dramatically in the council, rebukes the lords, reconciles them, and appoints Cranmer godfather to Princess Elizabeth.

• Gardiner

  Leads the charge against Cranmer, accusing him of heresy and advocating for harsh treatment, but is rebuked by the king.

• Cromwell

  Serves as secretary, defends Cranmer against Gardiner's accusations, and warns of the consequences of their actions.

• Duke of Norfolk

  Sits on the council and questions the wisdom of proceeding against Cranmer after the king's ring is revealed.

• Lord Chamberlain

  Present in the council and identifies the king's ring as genuine.

• Earl Surrey

  Sits on the council and confirms the ring is not counterfeit.

Key passages

• “By virtue of that ring, I take my cause Out of the gripes of cruel men, and give it To a most noble judge, the king my master.”

  Using this ring as my authority, I remove my case from the hands of these cruel men and place it before the king, my true judge.

  Cranmer invokes the king's ring to appeal directly to Henry, bypassing the hostile council.

• “Good man, sit down. Now let me see the proudest He, that dares most, but wag his finger at thee: By all that's holy, he had better starve Than but once think this place becomes thee not.”

  Sit down, good man. Let me see the proudest person who dares to even point a finger at you; by all that is holy, they would starve rather than think you don't belong here.

  King Henry defends Cranmer, threatening anyone who would disrespect him.

• “I have a suit which you must not deny me; That is, a fair young maid that yet wants baptism, You must be godfather, and answer for her.”

  I have a request you cannot refuse: a beautiful young girl who still needs baptism, and you must be her godfather and speak for her.

  Henry asks Cranmer to be godfather to the newborn Princess Elizabeth.