How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #1
FIRST GENTLEMAN
Sure he does not;
He never was so womanish. The cause
He may a little grieve at. (2.1.46-48)
So, a man who fears death is apparently like a woman. Ouch. We hate to be the ones to say it, but the men in the play think that weakness is a totally feminine trait.
Quote #2
WOLSEY
I know your Majesty has always loved her
So dear in heart, not to deny her that
A woman of less place might ask by law:
Scholars allowed freely to argue for her. (2.1.130-133)
Oh, no, he didn't. At Katherine's trial, Wolsey wants to put Katherine in her place, so he says that she should shut it and leave it to a scholar (who would have been a man at this time), because he'll be able to do it so much better. Really, if Wolsey is so worried, it's because Katherine can hold her own against men; she doesn't need someone arguing on her behalf, because she's got it covered.
Quote #3
OLD LADY
You, that have so fair parts of woman on you,
Have too a woman's heart, which ever yet
Affected eminence, wealth, sovereignty;
Which, to say sooth, are blessings; and which gifts,
Saving your mincing, the capacity
Of your soft cheveril conscience would receive
If you might please to stretch it. (2.3.34-40)
Even though the men might define women as weak, the Old Lady thinks that women want power and wealth. She's trying to convince Anne that Anne actually wants to be queen, but she's also showing the audience there's a whole other side to women that the men don't see. And that side is interested in many of the things the men want, too.