| − | The play opens with the funeral of the victorious King Henry V, who in his life conquered 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 conquered 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 honoured 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, except to send for Margaret to be his wife. | + | The play opens with the funeral of the victorious King Henry V, who in his life conquered France. His relatives and brothers bemoan that the loss for England. Before his funeral is over messengers arrive saying that the Dauphin (Prince of France) has reclaimed his kingdom and has conquered 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 honoured 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 commands, except to send for Margaret to be his wife. |