Study Questions

1. What attitude do the attendees of this meeting seem to have?

2. What is the purpose of the conference?

3. The Queen of France likens Henry’s eyes to “balls of the burning basilisk.” What is a basilisk?

4. What does Burgundy call “this best garden of the world”?

5. What are docks, kecksies, and burrs?

6. What might they symbolize in Burgundy’s “garden”?

7. To overcome Katharine’s shyness, how does Henry describe himself?

8. Henry says he has something “not worth sunburning.” What is it?

9. Does Charles disagree with any of Henry’s treaty demands?

10. How many of Henry’s descendants held the French throne after him?

Answers

1. All express goodwill and a positive attitude.

2. The attendees have gathered to sign a peace treaty.

3. It is a type of cannon.

4. He is referring to France.

5. They are varieties of weeds.

6. They might symbolize disorder, warfare, or evil.

7. He says he is a “plain soldier,” not a mighty king.

8. It is his face.

9. No, he consents to everything.

10. Only his son, and he only for a little while.