How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #7
KATHERINE
After my death I wish no other herald,
No other speaker of my living actions,
To keep mine honor from corruption
But such an honest chronicler as Griffith.
Whom I most hated living, thou hast made me,
With thy religious truth and modesty,
Now in his ashes honor. Peace be with him! (4.2.76-82)
Katherine is interested in how she will be remembered—with principles or without. It's particularly important for her character to set the record straight because she was thrown out like dirty dishwater. She's no floozy ex-wife or loose woman (remember, divorce at the time was almost unheard of), and she wants everyone to know how upright she was.
Quote #8
GARDINER
If we suffer,
Out of our easiness and childish pity
To one man's honor, this contagious sickness,
Farewell all physic. And what follows then?
Commotions, uproars, with a general taint
Of the whole state, as of late days our neighbors,
The upper Germany, can dearly witness,
Yet freshly pitied in our memories. (5.3.75-82)
At the council meeting, Gardiner relates the accusations against Cranmer to a national sickness. We get the sense that principles are good for the whole nation, not just the individual. Plus, we can see that this is an ongoing problem within England. It's not one or two people who are a little immoral; it's a national epidemic—and just like a disease, it has to be contained.
Quote #9
CROMWELL
My mind gave me,
In seeking tales and informations
Against this man, whose honesty the devil
And his disciples only envy at,
Ye blew the fire that burns you. Now, have at you! (5.3.178-182)
Anyone else getting déjà vu? First Buckingham was accused; then Wolsey; now Cranmer. The difference is that Henry frowns at this. He doesn't believe that all the trash talk about Cranmer is true.