Henry VI, All Parts

Henry VI is a three-part history play written by William Shakespeare. The first part of the play deals with the events following England's loss of French territories and the lead up to the Wars of the Roses. The second part of the play centers around King Henry VI's difficulties in dealing with his nobles and the death of his trusted adviser. The play ends with the First Battle of St. Albans which marked the beginning of the Wars of the Roses. The third part of the play deals with the horrors of the Wars of the Roses. The play is also notable for having the longest soliloquy in any Shakespeare play and it features the most battle scenes. William Shakespeare, the Bard of Avon, is known for his many sonnets and plays that have stood the test of time. Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon. He married at a young age and had three children. At age 21, Shakespeare began to have success in his business venture, an acting company known as the King’s Men. He also began writing at this time and would ultimately complete many of the most famous works in all of literature. Shakespeare's plays were well-loved from the beginning and even today his popularity remains unparalleled. The cause of Shakespeare's death is unknown, but he is honored today in Westminster Abbey in the Poet’s Corner.