Mark Smeaton Character Analysis in Wolf Hall

Mark Smeaton is a young lute player whom Cromwell dislikes deeply. Mark used to work for Cardinal Wolsey, and the cardinal sends him as a present to Anne Boleyn. Before the boy leaves Wolsey’s residence, Cromwell overhears him telling another servant that he is glad to be going to Anne Boleyn’s house since he is sure that Wolsey will be beheaded and that he certainly deserves to be. Mark also says that Cromwell will probably be executed, too, and that he looks like a murderer—which deeply offends Cromwell. Whenever Cromwell sees the boy at Anne Boleyn’s residence, he feels very irritated.

Mark Smeaton Quotes in Wolf Hall

The Wolf Hall quotes below are all either spoken by Mark Smeaton or refer to Mark Smeaton. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:

Power, Ambition, and Deception Theme Icon

).

[H]e hears a boy’s voice, speaking behind a half-open door: it is Mark, the lute-player. “…so for my skill he says he will prefer me to Lady Anne. And I shall be glad, because what is the use of being here when any day the king may behead the old fellow? I think he ought, for the cardinal is so proud. […] Yes, for sure the lawyer will come down with him. I say ‘lawyer,’ but who is he? Nobody knows. They say he has killed men with his own hands and never told it in confession. […] So when I am with Lady Anne she is sure to notice me, and give me presents.” A giggle. […] Then Mark: “She is no maid. Not she.” […]

One can do nothing with this. Except bear it in mind.

Related Characters: Mark Smeaton (speaker), Thomas Cromwell, Cardinal Wolsey , Anne Boleyn , Walter Cromwell

Page Number and Citation: 155-156

Explanation and Analysis:

Mark Smeaton Quotes in Wolf Hall

The Wolf Hall quotes below are all either spoken by Mark Smeaton or refer to Mark Smeaton. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:

).

[H]e hears a boy’s voice, speaking behind a half-open door: it is Mark, the lute-player. “…so for my skill he says he will prefer me to Lady Anne. And I shall be glad, because what is the use of being here when any day the king may behead the old fellow? I think he ought, for the cardinal is so proud. […] Yes, for sure the lawyer will come down with him. I say ‘lawyer,’ but who is he? Nobody knows. They say he has killed men with his own hands and never told it in confession. […] So when I am with Lady Anne she is sure to notice me, and give me presents.” A giggle. […] Then Mark: “She is no maid. Not she.” […]

One can do nothing with this. Except bear it in mind.

Related Characters: Mark Smeaton (speaker), Thomas Cromwell, Cardinal Wolsey , Anne Boleyn , Walter Cromwell

Page Number and Citation: 155-156

Explanation and Analysis:

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Mark Smeaton Character Analysis

Mark Smeaton Quotes in Wolf Hall

Mark Smeaton Quotes in Wolf Hall

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