Shakespeare’s play describing Henry the VIII describes the events of Henry’s court from a different perspective than in A Man For All Seasons.  In it, he focuses at first on the strong influence Cardinal Wolsey has upon the King, which greatly upsets the court. Shakespeare proceeds to depict Wolsey as a meddler who seeks to dissolve the King’s marriage to Katherine in order to procure an alliance with the French. He also portrays Anne Boleyn as one who cares little for title or nobility. Later, the King finds Wolsey’s wishes for a union with France and his financial holdings in letters and dismisses him and makes it known he wishes to marry Boleyn, not the French king’s sister. Next, Bishop Gardiner begins plotting against Boleyn, the new pregnant King and Cranmer, her ally and archbishop of Canterbury. Furious with Cranmer’s treatment after being accused of being a heretic, Henry makes him the godfather to his newborn daughter. Cranmer prophesizes that this newborn child, the future Queen Elizabeth, will one day achieve greatness and peace.

            Shakespeare wrote during the reign of Elizabeth and her successor, King James I. The play was first produced in 1612-13 during the reign of King James. History suggests that Cranmer’s forecast is accurate. Elizabeth’s reign was one of the most successful in English history. Accordingly, it was in his best interest to off lofty praise of them, as they also supported theater. Shakespeare, writing in Post-Reformation England is writing a history of a time period not far removed and must have been weary of the sensibilities he could arouse.