Henry VIII Manipulation Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)

Quote #4

ANNE
Make yourself mirth with your particular fancy,
And leave me out on 't. Would I had no being
If this salute my blood a jot. It faints me
To think what follows.
The queen is comfortless and we forgetful
In our long absence. Pray do not deliver
What here you've heard to her. (2.122-128)

Manipulation isn't just Wolsey's doing. Even Anne joins in on the game after she has been given a new title: she tells the Old Lady not to mention it so that she won't have an awkward run-in with Katherine. This also shields her from Wolsey's wrath (somewhat). Anne might have the right intentions, but she still controls what's happening all around her for her own good.

Quote #5

NORFOLK
He dives into the King's soul and there scatters
Dangers, doubts, wringing of the conscience,
Fears and despairs—and all these for his marriage.
And out of all these to restore the King,
He counsels a divorce, a loss of her
That like a jewel has hung twenty years
About his neck, yet never lost her luster; (2.2.32-38)

Norfolk tells us explicitly how Wolsey is encouraging the king to get a divorce. Did you notice how the manipulation isn't with money or bribes? It's through the soul. Now that's deep… and shady. Wolsey is using his position as a cardinal to get what he wants out of Henry. Not cool, man. Not cool.

Quote #6

CARDINAL WOLSEY, aside to Gardiner
Give me your hand much joy and favor to you.
You are the King's now.
GARDINER, aside to Cardinal Wolsey
But to be commander
Forever by your Grace, whose hand has raised me (2.2.138-141).

Even though Wolsey and Gardiner are in front of the king, they whisper like a couple of schoolgirls. This mini-discussion is where we find out what's going on behind the king's back… and it ain't pretty. The men are loyal to one another, instead of to the king, and they admit to it—right in front of him.