Cardinal Wolsey Henry Viii Sparknotes

In Shakespeare’s Henry VIII, Cardinal Wolsey’s demise reveals the ubiquity within loss, and the levels emotional response that is inevitably natural, as well as the unavoidable intrinsic questions regarding identity. As the king’s former advisor, Wolsey associated his sense of self with his title, which fueled his pride and dignity. His removal of power leaves Wolsey at odds with himself, where his voice of authority can no longer provide comfort. Shakespeare captures the necessity of internal confrontation by means of metaphorical comparisons and repeatedly shifts to a poetic tongue to emphasize intrinsic considerations that Wolsey faces. Inevitably, Wolsey questions the existential and reaches an ephemeral clarity through a shift in perspective.

Wolsey’s initial thoughts carry structure as he blindly refers to the general state of man rather than his own self.

In a controlled anger, Wolsey says, “farewell - to the little good you bear me,” which is in direct consideration of the King who has wronged him. Wolsey explicitly blames “you,” the King, for his suffering. Wolsey repeats “farewell,” only he has moved on from the King as the subject of his suffering. The rhetoric behind “farewell?” questions “my greatness” and is thus addressed to himself. The “good you bear” and “my greatness” are verbally ironic, which is felt by Wolsey as his sense of discomfort and frustration grows. Though the second “farewell” carries a desperate tone, his thoughts remain structured as he is blindly referring to the general state of man rather than his own self. The “state of man” refers to the idealized man that Wolsey aspires to embody, whose journey is beautifully drastic with a “splash[ing]” end. Authentic emotion does not permeate as the “state of man” and Wolsey’s own disposition becomes more disparate. “My greatness” and “state of man” in the same sentence reveal that Wolsey’s idea of himself is tied to the standard of a man. The general “state of man” thrives in the Eden of society, where “hope … blossoms… and blushes” until a “killing frost… nips at his root.” Wolsey cannot simply process his downfall as it happened because his identity is detached. Helplessly, it is only through a conceptualized “man” that Wolsey is able to consider his own tragedy. Convinced that the “man” and himself are analogous, Wolsey shifts to “I” as opposed to “he.” The idealized standard of man fits the natural metaphor of blossoming plants, but Wolsey’s position is far from the organic, as it is fueled by a lack of identity rather than cunning deception on the King’s behalf. Shakespeare effectively compares Wolsey’s journey to the natural process of growth to elevate Wolsey’s own need for self-identity, which can only be attained through

organic growth. The altered perspective forces Wolsey to reflect upon his own actions instead of turning to self-denial as a means of reconciliation. Wolsey refers to the forces of nature to explain his downfall instead of accepting reality, and taking responsibility for his pride.

The transition from “he” to “I” as a reference to himself and subsequent change of perception provides a brief moment of clarity for Wolsey. Though Wolsey believes that “he falls as I have ventured,” he admits to his disparity and ultimate self-deception. He is not one of the “little wanton boys that swim on bladders” because Wolsey has no “sea of glory” to celebrate, as any true dignity is “far beyond my depth.” Wolsey’s internal balance shifts, as he takes ownership in his self-ignorance.

I felt my heart “new open’d” captures the desperation that is hidden within himself, and so Wolsey turns against natures out of anger. This crucial moment in Wolsey’s existential crisis can be magnified to a universal lense, where true confrontation is uneasy, desperate, and leads to anger towards the self. Shakespeare captures the disposition and fragility that humans are constantly subject to; heightened clarity that is intrinsic rather than extrinsic results in unwanted emotions such as hate and fury. Wolsey’s words carry intonations of wrath and hatred, entirely distinct from the anger in his first “farewell” to the king. Wolsey’s heat is taken out in the world that he had been clinging to for any potential piece of identity. Wolsey moves from the “state of man,” to the “poor man,” fully aware that the deceit he feels is not from his downfall, but a consequence from his own identity. Repetition of “man” reveals a movement of intent. The new man who “falls like Lucifer” is not the “state of man”, but rather a reference to himself. Lucifer, who was once treasured in heaven, fell to hell from his own ego. Wolsey associates himself to the fallen angel, where he was once appreciated as the advisor, and is now nameless.

Wolsey succumbs to his identity and realizes his lack of identity. While the beginning of the speech is distanced and structured, Wolsey’s ending words are dominated by emotion and sheer intensity. Accentuated meaning in “fall” by means of repetition conveys desperation and loss. Wolsey is rendered hopeless, which is when his greatest moment of clarity is achieved. Only after falling, like Lucifer, does Wolsey have an awakened sense of self. Wolsey’s honest association is to Lucifer, and though he is subjected to an inevitable end, just like Lucifer, Wolsey falls with honest and an attained sense of self.