How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #4
HOLLAND
So he had need, for 'tis threadbare. Well, I
say it was never merry world in England since
gentlemen came up. (4.2.7-9)
Cade's crew wants a commonwealth, which means there would be no high-and-mighty gentlemen and nobles looking down their noses at the common folk. Holland is actually slamming the nobles here, saying it's become trendy to be a gentleman. It's not something innate; it's just a pose people put on.
Quote #5
CADE
I will make it
felony to drink small beer. All the realm shall be in
common, and in Cheapside shall my palfrey go to
grass. And when I am king, as king I will be—
[…]
there shall be no
money; all shall eat and drink on my score; and I
will apparel them all in one livery, that they may
agree like brothers and worship me their lord. (4.2.66-69, 71-74)
Cade wants to get rid of class system, he wants there to be no money, and he wants to have lots of beer. It all sounds great, except for the fact that according to this plan, Cade will just be replacing the king. When he talks about the commonwealth, he makes it clear that he'll be the one ruling; it won't be the people controlling what happens. Hmm… is that because the idea of a monarchy is just totally ingrained in his mind, or is it because he, too, wants the people to serve him?
Quote #6
DICK
The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers. (4.2.75)
Burn. This smack talk about lawyers certainly is a crowd pleaser. But this suggestion to Cade about the new government isn't just about lawyers: it's about getting rid of all educated, upper class men. A lawyer is representative of learned people, and of the opportunities that the commoners don't have. A lawyer is also a representative of the system as it is, and these guys know that this system does them no favors; in fact, it keeps them oppressed.