King Henry VI, Part 2

William Shakespeare1591

Shakespeare continued his chronicle of England's civil wars with a play focused on the weak King Henry VI losing control as powerful nobles scheme around him.

history playEnglishmoderateshort · ~3.0h
Influence
4.5/10
Popularity
3.5/10

“The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers.”

Why It Matters

Shakespeare continued his chronicle of England's civil wars with a play focused on the weak King Henry VI losing control as powerful nobles scheme around him. It contains some of his most vivid early battle scenes and the first appearance of the future Richard III. The play shows Shakespeare developing his ability to manage a large political canvas.

Notable Quotes

“Smooth runs the water where the brook is deep.”

— William Shakespeare, Henry VI, Part 2

“Could I come near your beauty with my nails, I'd set my ten commandments in your face.”

— Queen Margaret, Henry VI, Part 2

Deep Dive