How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #7
CADE
There shall not a maid be married but she shall
pay to me her maidenhead ere they have it. Men
shall hold of me in capite; and we charge and command
that their wives be as free as heart can wish
or tongue can tell. (4.7.121-125)
As Cade sets up the rules for his new kingdom, he says that all women will belong to men. So if you're a woman, you won't have the right to choose who to hang out with... or go out with. In fact, in Cade's kingdom, even married women will be common property (translation: any guy can sleep with her whenever he wants). It's a man's world for Cade.
Quote #8
CLIFFORD
Better ten thousand baseborn Cades miscarry
Than you should stoop unto a Frenchman's mercy.
To France, to France, and get what you have lost!
Spare England, for it is your native coast.
Henry hath money; you are strong and manly.
God on our side, doubt not of victory. (4.8.48-53)
Clifford convinces the rebels to join the king's side again by appealing to their "manly" side. Fighting for the king is the manly thing to do, right? Clifford's little speech persuades the commoners to quit their rebellion. It's clear that everyone wants to be thought of as strong and manly in this play, even if that means switching loyalties every other minute.
Quote #9
YOUNG CLIFFORD
Come, thou new ruin of old Clifford's house;
As did Aeneas old Anchises bear,
So bear I thee upon my manly shoulders.
But then Aeneas bare a living load,
Nothing so heavy as these woes of mine. (5.2.62-66)
Poor Young Clifford. His dad has just died, so he's super upset. As he's crying over his father's body, he tries to convince himself that this crying is manly because the shame of it will prompt him to seek out vengeance for his father's death. Right. We're not quite sure that's true, but we do find it surprising that even in moments of deep sadness, the men aren't allowed to show a soft side without being called a woman. Ever.