A review by ed_moore
Henry VI, Part III: The Oxford Shakespeare by William Shakespeare

dark informative fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

The third part of ‘Henry VI’ was much better than the first two, Shakespeare is nearing closer in writing ability to the soliloquies of his great tragedies. Those of Part 3 are almost there, but not entirely yet. It is absolutely an improvement however. The play is very much non stop with numerous battles, which was much more engaging than the prior parts, and also quite confusing in reading it as characters change titles, Richard of York for example becoming the Duke of Gloucester midway and later becoming Richard III in the subsequent play, of which ‘Henry VI Part III’ sets up for. It was however full of bouncing between monarchs, Edward IV and Henry VI constantly capturing one another and usurping the throne. Henry is however so pathetic in constantly being captured that it is in the hands of his wife Queen Margaret to lead the plot and save her husband repeatedly. He is really not deserving of the being the titular character and she’s the girl boss until she submits to patriarchal conditions in the final act, which is a disappointing fate but I suppose has to oblige to historical events.