“The Duke yet lives that Henry shall depose, But him outlive, and die a violent death.” Act 1, scene 4, lines 30-31 The spirit raised by the conjuror Bolingbroke and the witch Jourdayne make this prediction to the ambitious Eleanor regarding the fate of Henry. It is ambiguous, in that “Shall depose” and “die a …
Cardinal Beaufort, Bishop of Winchester Cardinal Beaufort, Bishop of Winchester, is Henry VI’s great uncle. He plots with Suffolk and York to bring down Gloucester. After he succeeds in getting Gloucester imprisoned he plots Gloucester’s murder. On his deathbed, however, his conscience troubles him, and he is terrified of dying because of the role he …
1. Examine Shakespeare’s presentation of Jack Cade in the play and what this says about leadership. The historical John or Jack Cade was the leader of a popular revolt in 1450 against the weak leadership of King Henry VI, the corruption of his advisers (in particular Suffolk), the breakdown of law, and the loss …
“The Duke yet lives that Henry shall depose, But him outlive, and die a violent death.” Act 1, scene 4, lines 30-31 The spirit raised by the conjuror Bolingbroke and the witch Jourdayne make this prediction to the ambitious Eleanor regarding the fate of Henry. It is ambiguous, in that “Shall depose” and “die a …
Biography: William Shakespeare William Shakespeare†was baptized on April 26, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England. He was the third child of John Shakespeare, a glove-maker and businessman, and Mary Arden Shakespeare, the daughter of a wealthy landowner who inherited much of his estate when he died. The date of Shakespeare’s birth is not known. There are …
King Henry VI Part 2: Biography: William Shakespeare Read More »
Ambition and Desire for Power Since Henry VI is a weak king, never fully in charge of his realm, it is inevitable that the ambitions of the nobles who surround him will eventually result in civil conflict. Henry has to surround himself with more powerful figures who are strong enough to act on his behalf. …
Cardinal Beaufort, Bishop of Winchester Cardinal Beaufort, Bishop of Winchester, is Henry VI’s great uncle. He plots with Suffolk and York to bring down Gloucester. After he succeeds in getting Gloucester imprisoned he plots Gloucester’s murder. On his deathbed, however, his conscience troubles him, and he is terrified of dying because of the role he …
Imagery Much of the imagery in the play is drawn from the animal or bird kingdom, and is used to comment on the character and behavior of particular characters. The imagery tends to occur most frequently in the long monologues given by the nobles. They often use similes to reinforce the points they are making. …
Act 5, scene 1 York enters at the head of his army, claiming the throne. Buckingham enters as a messenger from Henry, demanding to know what York is up to, why he is at the head of an army without the King’s permission. In an aside, York says how angry he is and …
King Henry VI Part 2: Novel Summary: Act 5, Scene 1 – 3 Read More »
Act 4, scene 1 This scene takes place following a skirmish off the coast of Kent. A Lieutenant, a Shipmaster and his mate, Walter Whitmore, enter. They are pirates, and they have taken Suffolk and other Gentlemen prisoner. Suffolk, who was on his way to France to live out his exile, is in disguise. …
King Henry VI Part 2: Novel Summary: Act 4, Scene 1 – 5 Read More »
