How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #7
KATHERINE
I am the most unhappy woman living.
To her Women. Alas, poor wenches, where are now
your fortunes?
Shipwracked upon a kingdom where no pity,
No friend, no hope; no kindred weep for me,
Almost no grave allowed me, like the lily
That once was mistress of the field and flourished,
I'll hang my head and perish. (3.1.164-170)
Katherine's upset over being booted off the throne. She lets loose on Wolsey and Campeius about her bad luck, but then she goes on to blame them for her situation. It looks like even Katherine is confused as to whether fate or free will rules her life.
Quote #8
WOLSEY
I know 'twill stir him strongly; yet I know
A way, if it take right, in spite of fortune
Will bring me off again. He looks at another paper.
What's this? 'To the Pope!'
The letter, as I live, with all the business
I writ to 's Holiness. Nay then, farewell! (3.2.269-274)
Oops. Wolsey misplaced some incriminating letters and was caught red-handed. There's nothing he can do at this point but admit it and move on with his life. It's telling that he doesn't blame himself for making the mistake, but his fortune. He was meant to do this, he figures. Do we believe him, or is he just trying to convince himself he's not to blame?
Quote #9
CRANMER
My noble partners and myself thus pray
All comfort, joy, in this most gracious lady
Heaven ever laid up to make parents happy
May hourly fall upon you! (5.4.5-8)
Is good fortune something you can wish or pray for? Looks like the answer is yes, according to Cranmer. Here, he wishes good luck for Anne and the baby. It might just be an expression, but it's important for us to think about why he says this: he's hinting that the baby's life has a design. It's not all down to what Henry and Anne want; it's already planned out. So how could he wish for comfort and joy then? Yep, that's a bit of a head-scratcher.