"King Henry VI": Pt. 2 (Arden Shakespeare: Third) Book

This second part of the history of Henry VI begins where Henry VI Part One ends. The Wars of the Roses between the Houses of York and Lancaster are in full swing, whilst intrigue at court becomes even more intense. Henry's wife, Margaret of Anjou takes centre stage with her lover Suffolk, conspiring against Henry's uncle, Gloucester, claiming that his wife is in league with a coven of witches. The Duke of York also plots against the ineffectual Henry, encouraging a people's revolt led by the memorable figure of Jack Cade, and then taking to the field himself. At the Battle of St. Albans, York's son Richard, the future King Richard III, kills Gloucester, leaving the Yorkist faction in the ascendancy.A violent and chaotic play, Henry VI Part Two shows much of Shakespeare's early dramatic inexperience. Much of the verse, and many of the minor characters are undifferentiated. However, both Margaret of Anjou and Jack Cade are fascinating early characterisations which foreshadow some of Shakespeare's greatest subsequent tragic figures. --Jerry Brotton Read More