# III explained — The Fifth Queen Crowned

> Chapter companion for The Fifth Queen Crowned by Ford Madox Ford.

## What happens

The King, in a playful mood, decides to marry off Margot Poins to Magister Udal, creating the office of Chancellor to the Queen for him. Udal, however, reveals he is already married to a woman in Paris, causing distress to Margot. The King then reveals his grand secret to Katharine: he has made his submission to the Pope, restoring the Church of God. Katharine is overjoyed, feeling truly crowned. The chapter also shows the King's affection for Katharine and his willingness to please her, as he agrees to find a husband for Margot.

## Themes in this chapter

### Religious Conflict

The King's submission to the Pope is a pivotal moment, highlighting the ongoing conflict between Protestant and Catholic factions.

### Court Intrigue

The chapter is filled with courtly maneuvering, from the King's playful manipulation of Udal to the private conversations between Henry and Katharine.

### Gender and Agency

Katharine uses her influence with the King to try and arrange a marriage for her maid, showing a limited but real form of agency within the constraints of her role.

## Character check-ins

### Katharine Howard

The Queen, who is pleased by the King's submission to the Pope and seeks to console her maid Margot by finding her a husband.

### King Henry VIII

Playfully creates the office of Chancellor for Udal, reveals his submission to the Pope, and shows his affection for Katharine.

### Magister Udal

Is made Chancellor to the Queen but is distressed because he is already married, preventing him from wedding Margot.

### Margot Poins

Katharine's maid, who is hopeful to marry Udal but is devastated when he reveals he is already wed.

### Duke of Norfolk

Briefly appears, but is dismissed by the King who wants to speak with Katharine alone.

## Key lines

> Eheu! this is the torture of Tantalus that might never drink.

Alas! This is like the punishment of Tantalus, being so close to what I desire but unable to have it.

_Udal expresses his frustration at being offered the chancellorship, which he cannot accept._

> The Church of God is come back again.

The true Church has been restored.

_King Henry reveals his submission to the Pope, signaling a major shift in religious policy._

> Now am I indeed crowned!

Now I feel like I am truly the Queen.

_Katharine expresses her joy and relief at the King's submission to the Pope, which validates her faith._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_fifth_queen_crowned_se/chapters/iii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_fifth_queen_crowned_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_fifth_queen_crowned_se/chapters