How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #10
GLOUCESTER
The Earl of Armagnac, near knit to Charles,
A man of great authority in France,
Proffers his only daughter to your grace
In marriage, with a large and sumptuous dowry. (5.1.17-20)
Speaking to Henry about marriage, it's clear here that gender is also politically important in making alliances. It's easier to get a peace treaty to stick if the king marries a noblewoman from the other side. While it's not the greatest for the women involved—who wants to be a living symbol of a treaty?—it does give women some sort of political role that they might not have otherwise.