Henry VI, Part 2 by William Shakespeare

"The Second Part of King Henry the Sixth" by William Shakespeare is a historical play written in the late 16th century. The work serves as a continuation of the struggles for the English throne during the Wars of the Roses, exploring themes of power, ambition, and betrayal among the nobility. Key figures include King Henry VI, Queen Margaret, Duke Humfrey, and the ambitious Duke of York, whose aspirations for the crown are set against the backdrop of political turmoil and social unrest. At the start of this play, the audience is introduced to a political world rife with conspiracy and tension, as various factions vie for power following the death of Duke Humfrey. A ceremonial scene marks the welcome of Queen Margaret to England through her marriage to King Henry VI. However, underlying this ostensible unity is a deep-seated conflict, as characters like Duke Humfrey express their grievances about the potential loss of French territories and the manipulative ambitions of others, particularly the Duke of Suffolk and the Cardinal. As Duke Humfrey grapples with feelings of betrayal and foreboding, discussions among other nobles hint at the brewing discord that threatens the realm, setting the stage for the ensuing conflict that will shape the fate of England. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

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About this eBook

Author Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616
Title Henry VI, Part 2
Alternate Title King Henry VI, Part 2
Note Wikipedia page about this book: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_VI,_Part_2
Note The First Folio, 1623
Reading Level Reading ease score: 86.9 (6th grade). Easy to read.
Language English
LoC Class PR: Language and Literatures: English literature
Subject Henry VI, King of England, 1421-1471 -- Drama
Subject Great Britain -- Kings and rulers -- Drama
Subject Historical drama
Subject Great Britain -- History -- Henry VI, 1422-1461 -- Drama
Category Text
EBook-No. 1101
Release Date
Most Recently Updated Sep 10, 2025
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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