Question

As the story progresses, it becomes clearer and clearer that Henry truly loved Becket. Why does he seem to hate him so? Why will he not permit others to speak of him?

a) Henry is jealous of Becket's power and influence
b) Henry believes Becket has betrayed him
c) Henry is haunted by their past friendship
d) Henry is worried about Becket's health

Answer 1

Henry's desire for a male heir and the pope's refusal to annul his marriage led to the establishment of the Church of England, where Henry VIII became the head, thus rejecting the Catholic Church's authority.

Step-by-step explanation:

Henry VIII of England initially opposed the Reformation and was a devout Catholic known as 'Defender of the Faith.' However, his desire for a male heir led to a significant conflict with the Catholic Church. Henry's wife, Catherine of Aragon, failed to produce a son, prompting Henry to seek an annulment of their marriage.

When Pope Leo X refused the annulment, Henry established the Church of England and made himself the head, thus rejecting the authority of the Catholic Church. This move was primarily to secure his succession and the throne's stability, rather than a theological dispute. It was this need for a male heir and the pope's refusal that led to the split, detailed in option c of the provided information.