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Henry VIII Summary | Play by William Shakespeare | Neb English Support Class 12
Henry VIII by William Shakespeare
SHORT STORYLINE
Henry VIII by William Shakespeare
Cardinal Wolsey seems shifty; Henry divorces Katherine and later marries Anne; and praise be to Queen Elizabeth, the most extraordinary creature ever to be born.
SHORT SUMMARY
Henry VIII by William Shakespeare
King Henry VIII listens too much to Cardinal Wolsey and provides him with power, which the Cardinal uses to convict a duke of treason. Henry meets Anne Boleyn, divorces his wife Katherine, and marries Anne. Anne gives birth to Princess Elizabeth, whom the Archbishop predicts will be great.
DETAILED SUMMARY
Henry VIII by William Shakespeare
Act I
A prologue introduces the play as a story of actual events. Buckingham's Duke, along with some other nobles, discusses the meeting between King Henry and the French King. They discuss the agreement of peace made between them and how it has already been broken. Buckingham expresses his concerns (and criticisms) about the amount of power held by the Lord Chancellor of England, Cardinal Wolsey. At this time of discussion, Buckingham is unexpectedly arrested (to prove his point). He is sent to jail on charges of treason.
At the court, King Henry makes policy decisions regarding the wool trade along with his wife, Queen Katherine. In the meantime, Wolsey takes credit for King's decisions. Katherine immediately questions his motives. While Henry agrees with this criticism, when the Queen also speaks on behalf of Buckingham, the King refuses to listen and orders his trial.
Wolsey holds a banquet at his palace in Hampton, which is attended by many lords and nobles, including Lady Anne Boleyn. The feast continues as the King and his friends arrive dressed in disguise as'shepherds'. Wolsey recognises the King, who, during a dance, chooses Anne as his partner.
Act II
Back in London, Buckingham is slandered by false witnesses. He powerfully addresses the crowds before being hanged. At court, a rumour spreads that Wolsey's power is on the rise and that he is behind a possible separation between the King and Queen Katherine. King Henry, Wolsey, and all other religious leaders discuss the validity of his marriage to Katherine. They discuss the possibility of divorce between them. Anne Boleyn hears the rumours and feels quite sorry for the Queen. When news comes that the king has offered her a title, her companion persuades him to welcome the king's favours.
During a trial set up for divorce, Queen Katherine asks to be allowed advisers from Spain, her country of origin. When Wolsey refuses her demand, she accuses him of being responsible for Henry's desire for a divorce. She leaves the test, ending it. Henry first blames the French for questioning the legality of his marriage to his dead brother's widow.
Act III
Katherine tries to seek solace with her women and music. Wolsey and Campus, another religious leader, interrupt her and try their best to persuade her to submit to the King's wishes. She refuses to do so, but the divorce is finalised anyway. Soon, Henry's secret marriage to Anne Boleyn will be the main talk of the court. King Henry learns that Wolsey has been secretly writing to the Pope, opposing the divorce. He confronts Wolsey's acts. Some lords demand that Wolsey relinquish his position as Lord Chancellor, as Thomas More has been chosen as his successor. Wolsey moves, advising his secretary, Cromwell, to leave. He hopes that Cromwell will not be caught in his downfall.
Act IV
Queen Anne is crowned, and everyone at the court comments on the grandeur of the ceremony. In retirement, Katherine hears of Wolsey's death. She dreams of her death and asks her servants to see that she is buried with due recognition as a queen.
Act V
Court gossip rages regarding changes, such as Queen Anne's new baby daughter. Court gossip also includes allegations against Cranmer, the new archbishop. After a conflict between Cranmer and his enemies (which includes condemning him to the Tower of London), the king defends Cranmer and names him the godfather of the infant Princess Elizabeth. As he baptises Elizabeth, Cranmer prophesies that she will become great and bring peace and prosperity to England.
An epilogue briefly requests the audience's approval for the play that is related to the history of their queen’s birth.
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