Henry VIII: The King Who Reshapes England

Shakespeare's Henry VIII is more sympathetic than historical accounts might suggest. He is genuinely persuaded of the theological arguments for his divorce. He is moved by Katharine's dignity. He advances Cranmer when Wolsey falls, and Cranmer will go on to shape the English Reformation.

He is also absolutely a king who does exactly what he wants. Buckingham dies because Henry lets Wolsey destroy him. Katharine is set aside because Henry desires Anne. Wolsey falls because Henry is betrayed. He does not initiate cruelty, but he permits it.

The play ends with the christening of the future Elizabeth I, which is Shakespeare's way of saying this is where history eventually lands, and it turns out to have been worth it.