Inside Shakespeare's mind - Henry VI Part 2:

Of the famous houses of York and Lancaster

If Henry VI - Part 1 was all about war, Part-2 is about its creators; the Dukes and the famous Houses of York and Lancaster. This part is the best of the trilogy though short and more to the point.

It is about the gradual rise to power with Jack Cade the rebel to turn negative its progress. Taken in whole, the play can be termed as the best and fortunate than its predecessor, Part-1, though the adoptions were much mutilated with new twists given to some scenes.

Synopsis

Written in 1590-1 and sited in England with the death of the gracious Duke Humphrey along with the banishment of the Duke of Suffolk and the tragic and of the Cardinal of Winchester. All these and more of human involvement such as the Rebellion of Jackie Cade and the Duke of York's first claim unto the crown, makes up Part - 2. York moves on with his speech where Anjou and Maine are given to the French.

Warwick - So, God help Warwick as he loves the land and common profit of his country.

York - And so say York for he hath greatest cause.

Salisbury - Then let' make haste away and look unto the main. War - That Maine by which main force Warwick did win and would have kept so long as breath did last.

Maine chance father, you meant; but I mean Maine which I will win from France or else be slain.

York - Anjou and Maine are given to the French. Paris is lost; the State of Normandy stands on a tickle point now they are gone.

- Act 1 Sce. 1.

Whan York vows to claim the crown, the peers are split into factions.

The wife of the Lord Protector who is the thrusting Duchess of Gloucester attempts to learn the future from a witch and is arrested for treason. She is banished to the Isle of Man after performing penance that requires her to walk barefoot.

Wrapped in a white sheet, warning her honest husband of his enemies. The King who believes the heavily assailed Gloucester to be honest, removes him from the Protectorship.

He too is arrested. In the meantime, York manages to involve him in what is now the complete loss of France. Later, he is murdered manipulated by Suffolk and Cardinal Beaufort who dies while confessing his part.

York leaves to quell the Irish rising leaving behind to uprise in rebellion in and around London. It ends with pardon to all those who helped Cade along with Cade's death against Alexander Iden in a Kenrish garden. Around this time, Suffolk is murdered by pirates inspite of Magaret being banished,

York returns with his army and the war of Roses begin with triumph:-

York - From Ireland thus comes York to claim his right and pluck the crown from feeble Henry's head. Ring bells aloud, burn bonfires clear and bright, to entertain great England's lawful king.

Ah; Santa Majestas, who would

not buy thee dear? Let them obey that known not how to rule.

This hand was made to handle nought but gold. I cannot give due action to my words. Except a sword or scepter balance it.

A scepter shall have it, have I a soul on which I'll toss the flower-de-luce of France'

- Act. V, Sce.1

Henry, Margaret, Somerset, and Clifford for Lancaster while Warwick, Salisbury and York with his sons for York. He wins the battle demanding the crown where Clifford Somerset are killed. 'Sound the drums' cries Warwick.

In performance

Part -11 titles Richard of York and obviously a frightful mess up. In 1899 the play by itself was mounted at Stratford by Frank Benson.

A part of the trilogy also saw light in 1906. Y B Yates could not resist calling the play as a strange procession of kings, queens, of warring nobles, of insurgents, and crowds of courtiers and also of people from the gutters.

The Barton trilogy was labelled as King Edward IV. Though the whole trilogy was spiced with wondrous dialogue, directors backed off mounting the three plays.

It was tiresome with so many unnecessary characters popping out all the time.

The story value was appealing and history right but the response of directors and actors, were far from encouraging.