How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #1
PROLOGUE
To rank our chosen truth with such a show
As fool and fight is, beside forfeiting
Our own brains and the opinion that we bring,
To make that only true we now intend,
Will leave us never an understanding friend. (Prologue.18-22)
Before the play even kicks off, the Prologue gives us a spoiler alert: this play is all about truth. We're about to see historically accurate events, and we should think about the actors as real people, not characters. Sure, we can get behind that. But are we supposed to be entertained or just learn from the whole experience? Is there room for truth in a drama? If truth is so slippery in this play, what's up with all this focus on truth right off the bat?
Quote #2
BUCKINGHAM
Yet I am richer than my base accusers,
That never knew what truth meant. I now seal it,
And with that blood will make 'em one day groan for 't. (2.1.124-126)
Right before he is executed, Buckingham gives us a little speech with a lot of bang. He doesn't hold back in telling us what's really going down, but we are left wondering which version of events is true: his or the Surveyor's.
Quote #3
LORD CHAMBERLAIN
Heaven keep me from such counsel! 'Tis most true:
These news are everywhere, every tongue speaks 'em,
And every true heart weeps for 't. All that dare
Look into these affairs see this main end,
The French king's sister. Heaven will one day open
The King's eyes, that so long have slept upon
This bold bad man. (2.2.43-49)
The Lord Chamberlain's mama didn't raise a fool: he doesn't want to be tricked like the king has been by Wolsey. We're interested in the way he relates this to all men. It's not just that he doesn't want to be around liars; he says that no true heart wants to be surrounded by them, either. So, by association, he's calling all of Wolsey's buddies liars, just because they hang out with the guy.