Henry VI: A King Unfit for War
First appears: Act 3, Scene 1
Henry VI is a child king in Part I, and Shakespeare does not pretend he is adequate to the moment. He is pious, gentle, and well-meaning. He is also surrounded by men who see him as a prize to be controlled rather than a ruler to be served.
His attempt to reconcile Gloucester and Winchester in Act 3 is genuine and sincere and completely ineffective. He lacks the authority to make men obey even when he commands it.
The marriage Suffolk arranges for him in Act 5 (to Margaret of Anjou) is supposed to be a political triumph. It will prove catastrophic in the plays that follow.
Key Scenes
Famous Quotes
“O, what a scandal is it to our crown, That two such noble peers as ye should jar!”
King Henry VI — Act 3, Scene 1
“Come hither, you that would be combatants: Henceforth I charge you, as you love our favour, Quite to forget this quarrel and the cause.”
King Henry VI — Act 4, Scene 1
Themes
Other Characters in Henry VI, Part I
Test Your Knowledge
Think you know your Shakespeare? Put it to the test with one of our free quizzes.
See all quizzes →