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The First Part of King Henry VI (view source)
Revision as of 18:00, August 14, 2007
, 18:00, August 14, 2007no edit summary
'''The First Part of King Henry VI''' is a play written by William Shakespeare about the early reign of King Henry VI of England. Because King Henry was crowned at nine months old, this play includes very little of him. It mostly depicts the fall of France and the exploits of Lord Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury. It also includes Joan of Arc, who is portrayed as in the popular view as a witch. This play is only the first in a trilogy.
'''The First Part of King Henry VI''' is a play written by William Shakespeare about the early reign of King Henry VI of England. Because King Henry was crowned at nine months old, this play includes very little of him. It mostly depicts the fall of France and the exploits of Lord Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury. It also includes Joan of Arc, who is portrayed as in the popular view as a witch. This play is only the first in a trilogy.
==Synopsis==
The play opens with the funeral of the victorious King Henry V, who in his life conquored France. His relatives and brothers bemoan that his loss is great for England. Before his funeral is over messengers arrive saying that the Dauphin (Prince of France) has reclaimed his kingdom and has conquored most English forces. The Lord Regent, Duke of Bedford, goes to France to retake it for England. Yet, even with England's great morale there is quarreling among the courtiers. Especially between the Duke of Gloucester, the Lord Protector, and Bishop of Winchester. There is no leading figure, because King Henry VI is only a boy at the beginning of the play. The french forces under the Dauphin and Joan la Pucelle ([[Joan of Arc]]) defeat what English forces there are under brave soldiers such as the Earl of Salisbury and Lord Talbot. Lord Talbot is the hero of the play and is honored for his bravery in France. He is killed due to dissension and inactivity among English courtiers. This play also begins the contention between the Duke of York, who believes he is heir to the crown, and the Duke of Somerset. They start two factions called the red rose side (Somerset's) and the white rose side (York's.) The play ends with the Duke of Suffolk going to fetch Margaret of Anjou to be Henry VI's wife. Henry VI is not very powerful or commanding and does not make any major change.
[[Category: Plays]]
[[Category: Plays]]