Measure for Measure Contents
- Social / political context
- Religious / philosophical context
- The Theatre
- Act I
- Act II
- Act III
- Act IV
- Act V
The grounds for divorce
Henry's desire for escape
At about the time Henry was despairing of Katharine producing a male heir, he was strongly attracted to one of her ladies-in waiting, Anne Boleyn.
In 1527, Henry asked Cardinal Wolsey to ensure that Pope Clement VII granted him a divorce.
More on Cardinal Wolsey: After the Pope, the highest-ranking Catholic priests are Cardinals, and in England under Henry VIII, one of his most important statesmen was a cardinal – Cardinal Wolsey.
However, even had the Pope wished to do so, he was not a free agent:
- The current King of Spain, also known as the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V, had invaded Italy and was in control of Rome.
- Charles was the nephew of Katharine of Aragon and not prepared to have her insulted.
1. Sometimes used to denote all Christians
2. Used specifically of the Roman Catholic church.
A person whose role is to carry out religious functions.
In the hierarchical structure of the Roman Catholic church, Cardinals represent the layer between Archbishops and the Pope. They are responsible for electing a new Pope, and they meet regularly with him in council.
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