Henry VI, Part 1 Group

Question:

gideonkem
gideonkem
Student
College - Sophomore

What is the real purpose of Shakespeare of writing this play?

I want to know how the play can affect every reader.

Rate question:

Posted by gideonkem on Tuesday January 27, 2009 at 6:38 PM and tagged with drama, henry vi, part 1, history, king henry vi, shakespeare, theme.

Answers:


  1. ladyvols1 Teacher
    High School - 9th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Henry VI was a historical play written by Shakespeare. He wrote several but the main thrust of the play and what should be taken from the play is that history is the result of human choices and actions. Things don’t just happen. War, death, destruction and history occur because people make certain decisions. Another theme of the play is that a higher power watches and judges our actions and rewards or punishes accordingly. Not everyone believes this theory, but during Shakespeare’s era the “Church” was very powerful and the population bought into the idea. By focusing on this theory, the violence of the 15th century came as punishment for Britain's illegal dethroning of Richard II. In “Henry VI” many events were a result of human decisions and conflicts between people and countries. However, there is also a great deal of weight on the side of “higher powers at work, particularly in Talbot's apparently inevitable fall and in the belief that Joan of Arc’s ability to hear the voice of God.” The French truly did believe that their fight against England was a Holy war.

    The reader can be affected through analysis and thought on the basic themes introduced through the reading and dissection of the play.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/henry-vi-part-salem/henry-vi-part
    http://www.enotes.com/henry-vi-part-salem/henry-vi-part-9...
    http://www.enotes.com/william-shakespeare-dramatist-salem...

    Rate answer:

    Posted by ladyvols1 on Tuesday January 27, 2009 at 7:00 PM