Henry VI, Part Two: The Oxford Shakespeare (Oxford World's Classics)

Name: Henry VI, Part Two: The Oxford Shakespeare (Oxford World's Classics)
Rating: 7.22 (8641 reviews)
Author: William Shakespeare
ISBN: 9780199537426

Language: English
Published in: 2008
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Pages: 336
ISBN: 9780199537426

Subjects

Original edition details

The Second Part of King Henry VI, Part 2 The Cambridge Dover Wilson Shakespeare Originally published in 1940

Original language

English

Original publisher Cambridge University Press

Other editions (200)

Henry VI

2015 • Courier Dover Publications

English

King Henry Vi, Part II

1957 • Arden Shakespeare

English

Henry VI Part 2

2008 • Simon & Schuster

English

King Henry VI Part 2 Third Series

1999 • Bloomsbury Academic

English

Henry VI, Part II: A History

2015 • Joe Books Inc.

English

7.22 / 10 (8641 ratings)

Reviews summary

Positives

Reviewers generally praise this play as a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering a more engaging and dynamic experience. Many found the second half particularly compelling, noting a considerable increase in pace and action that culminates in an exciting and dramatic ending. Specific highlights include the complex and often twisted plot, the memorable and poetic scenes involving Queen Margaret and Suffolk, and the vivid portrayal of the populist leader Jack Cade, whose rebellion is described as wonderfully chaotic and surprisingly modern. The play is also appreciated for its sharp lines and a masterful depiction of political intrigue, betrayal, and violence, marking a noticeable growth in the author's skill.

Negatives

However, the play is not without its criticisms. A common complaint is the uneven quality, with the first half often described as weak, episodic, and slow, focusing heavily on political disputes and scheming that some found formless or even boring. Reviewers frequently mention an over-reliance on lengthy monologues and vituperative rhetoric in the early acts. King Henry VI himself is often characterized as a weak, spineless, and ineffectual ruler, easily manipulated and prone to indecisiveness, which many found frustrating. Some also struggled with the multitude of characters and the confusing plot, particularly if they had not read the previous part, and noted that the poetry, while brisk, was not always exemplary.

Conclusion

Overall, this play is considered an energetic and brilliant, albeit uneven, work that significantly advances the overarching narrative. It is recommended for readers who appreciate historical dramas rich in political machinations, betrayal, and the raw depiction of civil unrest, especially those who enjoy complex, if not always likable, characters. While the initial acts may require patience, those who persevere are often rewarded with a thrilling second half that effectively sets the stage for future conflicts, providing a substantial and impactful entry in the historical cycle.

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