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), Walter Cromwell, Thomas Cromwell, Cardinal Wolsey , Anne Boleyn

Page Number and Citation: 155-156

Explanation and Analysis:

Mark Smeaton Character Timeline in Wolf Hall

The timeline below shows where the character Mark Smeaton appears in Wolf Hall. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...bring him news from London. One night, Cromwell arrives at Esher when a boy named Mark Smeaton is playing the lute for the cardinal. The cardinal wonders if he should send... (full context)

As Cromwell is leaving, he overhears Mark Smeaton chatting with another servant. Mark is saying he is glad that he will be... (full context)

Children and Human Connection Theme Icon

...off to meet “the evil lady” who has “bewitched the king.” Inside, he runs into Mark Smeaton and asks him if he doesn’t miss the cardinal. Mark sulkily says he doesn’t,... (full context)

...is determined to find him a wife. Cromwell feels afraid, thinking that it is “like Mark, the lute player: people imagining what they cannot know,” since he is sure that he... (full context)

...ready to depart, Cromwell says he will leave Anne to her “goggle-eyed lover,” pointing at Mark the lute player. Anne admits that he does goggle. (full context)

...George Boleyn makes arrangements for Anne’s lovers. Jane Rochford mentions that the “sneaking little boy Mark” is the go-between for the courtiers, bearing messages for them. (full context)

...look formidable, which is apt. Cromwell says he thinks that a “silly little boy” called Mark who once said he looks like a murderer was right about that, and Gregory, surprised,... (full context)

...Mary claims the child is William Stafford’s, and that she has married him. Cromwell dismisses Mark, who is hanging around, and goes into the room. Inside, Henry Norris and Jane Rochford... (full context)

...up her things. Jane Seymour comes in, bringing in an armful of folded laundry, and Mark brings a chest. Cromwell tells Jane Seymour that he did not think she was friends... (full context)

Mark Smeaton Character Analysis

Mark Smeaton Quotes in Wolf Hall

Part 3: Chapter 1 Quotes

Mark Smeaton Character Timeline in Wolf Hall