King Henry VI, Part 3

William Shakespeare1592

Shakespeare's early history play covers the bloody collapse of English rule in France and the beginning of the Wars of the Roses.

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

“O tiger's heart wrapp'd in a woman's hide!”

Why It Matters

Shakespeare's early history play covers the bloody collapse of English rule in France and the beginning of the Wars of the Roses. It is rough, violent, and full of the large-scale political drama that Shakespeare would refine in later plays. The play's vision of a kingdom torn apart by ambitious nobles foreshadows everything from Richard III to King Lear.

Notable Quotes

“I can add colours to the chameleon, change shapes with Proteus for advantages, and set the murderous Machiavel to school.”

— Richard, Henry VI, Part 3

“Having nothing, nothing can he lose.”

— William Shakespeare, Henry VI, Part 3

Deep Dive