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353 ratings, 3.65 average rating, 23 reviews
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published
February 17th 2009
by Washington Square Press
binding
Mass Market Paperback
isbn
0671722689
(isbn13: 9780671722685)
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 490)
Read in January, 2008
Once upon a time, I liked to think of Shakespeare as the Wayne Gretzky of English-language dramaturgy (although even the Globe and Mail hockey writers will have to forgive the comparison). The Bard's non-canonical plays, however, demonstrate if not the inconsitency of his genius, then at least that even for the writer synonymous with literary greatness in much of the Anglophone world, there was a period of apprenticeship. That's not to say that the Henry VI dramas are without their meri...more
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Read in April, 2008
more sensational, less political than part 1. some typical shakespearian moments (the parting scene between the queen and suffolk, for example). a member of our reading group noted that the scene of suffolk's death would have all been relayed by messenger instead of acted out in later plays. too true. overall, not as engaging as the first part, or quite as humorous. although king henry himself is still the same loveable, laughable bumbler. hoping that part 3 will be a return to form. there was a...more
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i read this because of Margaret--and above all because marks the emergence of Richard and his first great speeches, before he takes over the show in Richard III
i like the character of Maragaret much esp in Richard III as reminds me of Cassandra, one of my favorite characters in all tragedy--
her tragedy is of an other dimension and depth that is truly agonizing in relation with many things, among them the place of a poet in society/history--trapped in this--brutal confleunce--
i like the character of Maragaret much esp in Richard III as reminds me of Cassandra, one of my favorite characters in all tragedy--
her tragedy is of an other dimension and depth that is truly agonizing in relation with many things, among them the place of a poet in society/history--trapped in this--brutal confleunce--
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this is my first shakespeare historical piece. i enjoyed more than i realized. at first, i thought it would drag immensely. but then as i started to read it, i found myself coming home from work excited to open this play and find out what surprise was going to happen next. the intrigue, the deception, the conspiracies, and the historical backdrop - these things made king henry vi an exciting read that i could not put down.
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Read in March, 2008
includes the lovely phrase "quagmire of brains." perhaps because i'm firmly entrenched in a class on nationalism, i was struck by the ways that france is denigrated. oh and the misogyny was interesting too. that joan of arc apparently managed to get it all in during her short life: concourse with fiends, concourse with all the nobles of france, bastard children, you know, whatev.
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As with most of the Histories, I think this is better seen than read. There are too many Dukes and Lords and other nobles to keep track of and who is allied with whom. I had less of a problem with 1 Henry 6 than with 2 Henry 6 (which I will attempt again soon along with 3 Henry 6), but I'd like to see all of them as well to put names to faces.
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Read in January, 2007
Margaret is still trying to get her kingdom back for her husband Henry. The Duke's three sons kill Prince Henry and take Margaret away. The eldest son Edward becomes King. He marries Lady Elizabeth Grey. They have a child and Richard is seen to be an evil man. Prequel to RichardIII
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Read in March, 2008
recommends it for:
Anyone who appreciates the finest writer in English
Some amazing observations of the human condition, even in this second-tier play by the Bard. Best lines:
My crown is in my heart, not on my head;
Not deck'd with diamonds, and Indian stones,
Nor to be seen: my crown is call'd content,--
A crown it is that seldom kings enjoy.
My crown is in my heart, not on my head;
Not deck'd with diamonds, and Indian stones,
Nor to be seen: my crown is call'd content,--
A crown it is that seldom kings enjoy.
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henry VI is very special to me-it's the very first play by Shakespeare I read in English.(the 3 parts) It is imperfect no doubt, but some of the best lines by Shakespeare and one of his most wonderful female characters, Queen Margaret, are to be found here.
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Read in January, 2007
Henry is thrown from the throne, imprisioned, reinstated by Warwick, and killed by Richard in the Tower. Continued fight for the crown over who is a legit heir and how English lineage is passed down as opposed to French.
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Read in March, 2008
Think Joan of Arc was possessed by God? Think you liked Suffolk? Think Henry VI doesn't talk like Keanu Reeves? Think Willy Shakes doesn't know how to trash talk? Think again.
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Read in October, 2000
If you dare to plunge into this trilogy, you've become a dead serious Shakespeare fan. "Strong fixed is the house of Lancaster/And like a mountain, not to be removed."
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I only saw part II at the roundhouse theatre, but it was absolutely amazing. I want to play Margret of Anjou before I die.
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Read in June, 2007
My attention started to drift in this middle part of the history of the Wars of the Roses.
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Read in June, 2007
A guilty pleasure for its shameless French-bashing and the demonisation of Joan of Arc.
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"The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers". - (Act IV, Scene II).
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Read in July, 2007
Of most interest for the introduction of the villainous Richard, Duke of Gloucester.
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Wonderful!! I don't know why this play isn't performed more often
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Read in January, 2006
what did I learn?
Don't be a pious wuss in an age of pirates.
Don't be a pious wuss in an age of pirates.
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Read in May, 2008
stronger than part 2, but i think i liked part 1 the best.
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