# VI explained — The Fifth Queen Crowned

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

## What happens

Archbishop Cranmer, tormented by guilt and fear, is manipulated by his gentleman Lascelles into a plot against Queen Katharine Howard. Lascelles reveals how he has turned the young Poins against the Queen and plans to use him to gather information. Cranmer, haunted by the memory of Cromwell's downfall, reluctantly agrees to let Lascelles deliver a letter to the Queen, knowing that the Papist lords and former Cromwell followers are united against her.

## Themes in this chapter

### Betrayal and Loyalty

Lascelles betrays the Queen's trust, and Cranmer is torn between loyalty to his conscience and fear for his own survival.

### Power and Corruption

The pursuit of power corrupts even the Archbishop, who is willing to participate in a plot to destroy the Queen.

### Fate and Tragedy

Cranmer's despair and the sense of inevitable doom for the Queen are palpable.

## Character check-ins

### Archbishop Cranmer

Tormented by guilt and fear, manipulated by Lascelles into the plot against the Queen.

### Lascelles

Cunning and patient, he orchestrates the plot, using the young Poins and the Archbishop's fears.

### Margot Poins

Furious at the Queen's ingratitude, he is turned by Lascelles into a tool against her.

### Katharine Howard

The target of the plot; her resolve is noted, and she is isolated as enemies gather.

### Thomas Cromwell

His memory haunts Cranmer, a reminder of the fate that awaits the fallen.

### Duke of Norfolk

Leader of the Papist lords, secretly meeting against the Queen.

## Key lines

> Will the King go abroad among the people any more to hear what they say? You know he will not. For he is grown too old, and his fireside is made too sweet⁠—

The King will no longer mingle with the common folk to learn their opinions; he is too old and too comfortable at home.

_Cranmer argues that the King is isolated and unlikely to be swayed by public opinion._

> I that by my carrying of letters set this Howard where she sits! I!⁠—and this is my advancement. My sister cast down, and I cast out, and another maid to take my sister's place.

I am the one who delivered the letters that made this Howard queen, and this is my reward: my sister is dismissed, I am cast out, and another has taken her place.

_Margot Poins expresses his bitter resentment at being used and discarded by the Queen._

## Links

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