How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #7
KATHERINE
My next poor petition
Is that his noble Grace would have some pity
Upon my wretched women, that so long
Have followed both my fortunes faithfully,
Of which there is not one, I dare avow—
And now I should not lie—but will deserve,
For virtue and true beauty of the soul,
For honesty and decent carriage,
A right good husband. Let him be a noble; (4.2.159-167)
Katherine is close to death and wants to get everything in order. High on her "to do" list? Her petition for women in her letter to her ex, Henry. Did you notice what she wants for them? Noble husbands. Katherine knows that a hubby gets all the power in this society, so the least she can do is ask for honest men to help the girls out.
Quote #8
WOLSEY, weeping
Cromwell, I did not think to shed a tear
In all my miseries, but thou hast forced me,
Out of thy honest truth, to play the woman.
Let's dry our eyes. And thus far hear me, Cromwell... (3.2.508-511)
Women cry and get all emotional over nothing, something no manly man would do, according to Wolsey. Wolsey tries to act more masculine by cutting out his emotions. The funny thing is, none of the women in this play act the way Wolsey describes. If anyone is swayed by emotions, it's the men. So what gives?
Quote #9
KING
Is the Queen delivered?
Say, 'Ay, and of a boy.'
OLD LADY
Ay, ay, my liege,
And of a lovely boy. The God of heaven
Both now and ever bless her! 'Tis a girl
Promises boys hereafter. (5.1.199-204)
Boys are better than girls, according to Henry. He desperately wants Anne to deliver a baby boy, but the Old Lady tries to talk up the pretty girl she actually had. We're not sure if it does any good, though, since Henry's got his heart set on a boy, and he's already devalued girls to anyone who will listen. Hey, the king wants an heir, we guess.