How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
In the ancient city of London, on a certain autumn day in the second quarter of the sixteenth century, a boy was born to a poor family of the name of Canty, who did not want him. (1.1)
Isn't that the saddest opening line ever? The reason Tom's family doesn't want him is that when it comes right down to it, he's another expensive mouth to feed. If you're thinking of a child primarily as a financial catastrophe, chances are you're suffering from real poverty.
Quote #2
On the same day another English child was born to a rich family of the name of Tudor, who did want him. All England wanted him too. England had so longed for him, and hoped for him, and prayed God for him, that, now that he was really come, the people went nearly mad for joy. Mere acquaintances hugged and kissed each other and cried. Everybody took a holiday, and high and low, rich and poor, feasted and danced and sang, and got very mellow; and they kept this up for days and nights together. (1.1)
Of course, everyone is excited about the birth of a new prince, but Edward's story is a little special. Henry VIII had actually married, divorced, and killed women while trying to have a baby boy, but he just kept having daughters. So when Edward was finally born, it was almost like a miracle, and people were ecstatic.
Quote #3
"The king thy father! O my child! unsay these words that be freighted with death for thee, and ruin for all that be near to thee. Shake off this gruesome dream. Call back thy poor wandering memory. Look upon me. Am not I thy mother that bore thee, and loveth thee?" (10.13)
Even though Tom's family isn't all that excited to see him born, moms are still moms. Tom's mom loves him (even though she's actually talking to Edward here).