Henry VIII
Shakespeare's last solo history play is a sprawling, ceremonial drama about power, betrayal, and the birth of the English Reformation.
“Had I but served my God with half the zeal I served my king, He would not in mine age have left me naked to mine enemies.”
Why It Matters
Shakespeare's last solo history play is a sprawling, ceremonial drama about power, betrayal, and the birth of the English Reformation. It contains some of his most majestic speeches and the character of Cardinal Wolsey, one of his great portraits of a man brought down by ambition. The play also famously burned down the Globe Theatre during its first performance.
The 
Take
Personal reviewNot much of a plot, language wasn’t that beautiful
Notable Quotes
“Men's evil manners live in brass; their virtues we write in water.”
“I have ventured, like little wanton boys that swim on bladders, this many summers in a sea of glory.”