Overview
Synopsis
At the end of Henry VI Part 1, Suffolk meets Margaret of Anjou and vows to make her Queen of England. Part 2 begins with the marriage of King Henry VI and Queen Margaret. Little does the King know that Margaret and his Duke of Suffolk are in love and seeking to control the kingdom right under his nose. But first, in order to solidify this plan, they must get rid of all the other people vying for power, beginning with the King’s uncle and protector, Gloucester, Gloucester is a kind and true advisor, but he has many enemies. His wife, Eleanor, is also a problem and sabotages his position through her dream of becoming Queen. Eleanor studies witchcraft and summons a demon to help his cause, which ultimately destroys her, Gloucester, and the Cardinal of Winchester who dies of guilt for his part in Gloucester’s murder. This sequence of events leads to more tragedy and more fighting, as heads are chopped off, commoners rebel (led by a silly but ruthless soldier named Cade), and a war begins for the throne. Henry VI Part 2 ends when the Duke of York, his sons (one of whom becomes Richard III), and his followers, gain ground on the King and get closer to seizing the crown.
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Context
Henry VI Part 2 is thought to have been written in 1591. It is not clear in what order the trilogy was written, but many believe that Part 2 is the best of the 3 plays. Henry VI Part 2 focuses on King Henry VI’s inability to control the nobility of his court, which tragically leads to the death of his trusted advisor and uncle, the Duke of Gloucester. We also see the rise of the Duke of York, who believes that he is the rightful king, and the end of the play leads directly into *Henry VI
to read the context for Henry VI Part 2 and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
Act 1, Scene 1. London. The Palace.
Suffolk has arrived at the royal castle to bring King Henry VI his new Bride, Queen Margaret. King Henry is surrounded but his royal advisors and his dukes, who all welcome Margaret. However, once Gloucester begins reading the articles of agreement from France in exchange for Margaret, the dukes are appalled to hear that the King has agreed to give up Maine and Anjou, two important French lands, without even a dowry from Margaret’s father, The King of
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