Synopsis
The historic King Henry VI lived from 1421 to 1471, however, the three plays which bear his name as titles do not concern him as much as those around him, such as Talbot, of HENRY VI, PART I, who is killed as a result of warring British factions while Henry VI is yet a child-king. The play is set during the final stages of the Hundred Years War against France, after the death of Henry V, who had conquered a significant amount French territory during his triumphant reign--most of which is lost during the course of the present drama. The three Henry VI plays, together with Richard III, form a tetralogy that thematically chronicles the disintegration of British dominance, the infighting that ensues, resulting in civil war (The War of the Roses). The tension between chaos and order is paramount. According to most scholarship, Shakespeare wrote the first of the three parts between 1589 and 1590. It was performed first on March 3, 1592 at the Rose Theater. Diaries indicate that it was performed 14 more times before the theaters were closed that season because of an outbreak of plague. Early Shakespeareans were hesitant to attribute HENRY VI, PART 1 to Shakespeare, particularly because of the crude portrayal of Joan of Arc, although it was included in the FIRST FOLIO, 1623; thus there is much speculation regarding this topic. The action begins at the funeral of Henry V, where the Duke of Gloucester and the Bishop of Winchester engage in a disruptive argument about the control of the young King Henry VI. Two messengers, one bringing word of English military losses in France, and a second reporting a French rebellion subsequently interfere with the funeral ceremony. In violation of a previous treaty, Charles Dauphin has been crowned King of France, and motivated the Bastard of Orleance and the Duke of Alanson behind him. A third messenger tells of the capture of the hero Talbot due to the coward Falstaff. Reinforcements are sent to assist the Earl of Salisbury, who leads the English army. Talbot is freed, but Salisbury is killed shortly thereafter. Moreover, Joan la Pucelle (Joan of Arc), armed with sorcery, has pledged allegiance to the French cause. During the power struggle between the French and English abroad, the celebrated Temple Garden Scene takes place back in England in which Richard Plantagenet and Somerset argue about rights to the crown. Plucking a white rose from a tree, Richard calls for his supporters to do the same; Somerset and his supports pick red roses--and thus the War of the Roses ignites. To quell some of the debate that ensues among the parties, Henry VI restores Richard as Duke of York. Attempting to restore peace among the factions, he later attempts, fatally, to evenly divide the English military, assigning the house of York control of the infantry, leaving the cavalry to Somerset, which only results in more strife among the factions. Both Talbot and his young son are killed in battle, but Joan is burned at the stake. Meanwhile, Gloucester arranges a peace treaty between Henry VI and Charles, based on Henry marrying the daughter of a French noble. Henry agrees. However, Suffolk has plans of his own for the King. Because Suffolk is in love with Margaret, daughter of the French noble Reignier, he establishes her as Queen, encouraging Henry VI to break his prior engagement. With Margaret installed as Queen, Suffolk, is poised to control the throne: "Margaret shall now be Queen, and rule the King; / But I will rule both her, the King, and Realm."
| Details | | Publication Date: | 2000-05-01 | | Series: | Arkangel Complete Shakespeare Series | | Edition Description: | Abridged |
| Size | | Height: | 7.3 in | | Width: | 4.3 in | | Thickness: | 0.8 in | | Weight: | 4.8 oz |
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