The Fifth Queen · Chapter
IX explained
Throckmorton visits Katharine Howard and offers political counsel on how to influence King Henry VIII against Thomas Cromwell.
What happens
Throckmorton visits Katharine Howard and offers political counsel on how to influence King Henry VIII against Thomas Cromwell. He advises her to praise the King's governance and avoid direct criticism, warning that her bluntness could lead to imprisonment. Katharine, isolated and weary, struggles to trust him but listens as he explains the King's character and the precarious political situation.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Political Intrigue
Throckmorton outlines a strategy to undermine Cromwell by exploiting the King's vanity and doubts, revealing the intricate court politics.
Appearance vs. Reality
Throckmorton advises Katharine to praise the King's 'Fortunate Island' despite its flaws, highlighting the gap between public image and truth.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Katharine's distrust of Throckmorton, who is 'accounted so evil,' contrasts with his professed friendship and the political betrayals discussed.
Characters to notice
- Katharine Howard
Isolated and weary, she listens to Throckmorton's political advice and fears imprisonment after the King threatened her.
- Nicholas Throckmorton
Visits Katharine uninvited, offering strategic counsel on how to manipulate the King's favor and undermine Cromwell.
- Thomas Cromwell
Discussed as the target of political maneuvering; Throckmorton advises speaking against him while praising the King.
- Stephen Gardiner
Mentioned indirectly as part of the political landscape; Katharine is advised to communicate with her uncle (Norfolk) against Cromwell.
- Duke of Norfolk
Referenced as Katharine's uncle, whom she can easily approach with Throckmorton's message.
- Margot Poins
Weeping because Magister Udal has been sent to Paris; her personal troubles contribute to Katharine's isolation.
- Nicholas Udal
Mentioned as having been sent to Paris to translate Sir Thomas Wyatt's letters, causing Margot Poins' distress.
- Sir Nicholas Rochford
Distracted by a horse sale and unable to offer counsel to Katharine.
Key passages
“Why, sometimes, a very perfect folly is like a very perfect wisdom.”
Throckmorton suggests that what seems foolish can be as effective as wisdom.
He uses this to justify his uninvited visit and the apparent risk of his counsel.
“It is when you do call this realm the Fortunate Land that at once you make his Highness incline towards you—and doubt.”
Praising England as blessed makes the King favor you while also making him question his own actions.
Throckmorton explains how to manipulate Henry VIII's pride and humility.
“If you will praise him you make him humble, for at bottom the man is humble; if you will blame him you will render him rigid as steel and more proud than the lightning.”
Praising the King makes him meek, but criticizing him makes him stubborn and arrogant.
Throckmorton describes the King's paradoxical nature to guide Katharine's approach.
