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 | | Henry VI, Part Three (Oxford Shakespeare) by William Shakespeare, Randall Martin (Editor) ISBN-10: 9780198123651 ISBN-10: 0-19-812365-5 ISBN-13: 9780198123651 ISBN-13: 978-0-19-812365-1 Hardcover 2002-01-17 Oxford University Press, USA Find Lowest Price |
Editorials | ||
Product Description This new edition of the precursor to Richard III offers a fresh interpretation of the relationship between the two earliest texts--The True Tragedy of Richard Duke of York (octavo, 1595) and the First Folio Henry VI Part Three (1623)--arguing that the former is a memorially reported and original version of the play later revised for the Folio. The two therefore represent Shakespeare's early and revised conceptions of the play. Unlike all previous editions, the text here is based rigorously on the Folio, with a re-examination of the dates of composition, memorial reporting, and revision. It includes a full introduction, appendices, and commentary. | ||
Reviews | ||
Possibly the Greatest of the History Plays. "Henry V" and "Richard III" seem to be Shakespeare's most popular and famous history plays. But I myself have always leaned towards this one. The play starts with the wedding of King Henry VI and Queen Margaret. At this point in the game, France has gained the upper hand. But England still controls Calais, Anjou, Maine, Normady, and some areas around Bordeaux. Well, th virtuous Gloucester (and only remaining son of King Henry IV) is shocked along with some others that Anjou and Maine will have to be returned to France as well. This angers York and he thinks Henry VI's questionable marriage amongst other things is just cause to aim for the crown. (In history, Richard was actually VERY loyal to King Henry VI, even when situations practically invited him to seize the crown. Eventually, he was forced somewhat by Margaret's actions to take up arms.) Later, we see that Gloucester's wife has her eyes on the crown as well. Meanwhile, Margaret is growing weary of King Henry VI, and her affair with Suffolk is becoming more prevalent. Act one ends with a dramatic scene of Pagan Prophecies and Lady Gloucester's arrest. Act 2 begins with the comical scene of someone claiming a false miracle. Though the comedy breaks when Gloucester learns of his wife's treason. York gathers his allies Salisbury and Warwick and plans his move to seize the crown. In one of his stronger moments, King Henry VI orders the execution of those who plotted against him. Though he is smart and knows that the virtuous Gloucester's wife must be treated a bit more gently. So he makes her do public penance and banishes her. Gloucester bids a sorrowful farewell to his banished wife, and must stand trial himself. We also learn that all of England's French territory is lost. (Though this is not 100 % true. England still held Calais, and would continue to do so through the reigns of Edward IV, Edward V, Richard III, Henry VII, Henry VIII, and Edward VI.) Moving on, York, Somerset, the Cardinal, Suffolk, and Queen Margaret all work to bring Gloucester down. He defends himself with dignity, but is arrested. Soon afterwards, Glouceter is pronounced dead. True King Henry VI is often rebuked for fainting here, but he actually displays one of his finer moments. He banishes the vile Suffolk for the murder and does not back down even when Margaret in a deceptive manner says Suffolk is innocent. Perhaps one of the greatest scenes is 3.3 where the Cardinal goes insane (quite possibly guilt over Gloucester). In this brief scene, the cardinal's insanity fills us with horror, and the scene where Henry VI forgives him is actually very touching: 'Forbear to judge, for we are sinners all.' Act 4 is dominated mostly by the rebel Jack Cade. He has launched an uprising against the king, and he is actually quite theatrical and offers some comical moments. Well, he gets quite far, but is finally defeated by Buckingham and Clifford. Cade tries to escape, but is killed by Iden. Onto the final act. having left for Ireland, York returns in arms, but decides to back off for the time being, when Buckingham insists that Henry VI has met York's demand and imprisoned Somerset. This proves not to be, and Yort takes up arms. His sons (the eventual King Edward IV and King Richard III) appear and the war begins. York does gain the advantage here, but things are far from over. King Henry VI and Margaret escape, and the scene where Young Clifford discovers his father (killed By York) and gives his soliloquy of revenge is a scene that combines sorrow, rage, hate, and beauty ever so well. | ||