The Complete First Part of Henry Vi

An Annotated Edition of the Shakespeare Play

One recurrent criticism of the First Part of HVI is its cavalier disregard for chronology and historical events. However, Lawrence V. Ryan argues that the disjointing of time . . . enables him [Shakespeare] to achieve striking dramatic and didactic effects (xxx). Thus, one is enjoined to remember Coleridges admonition to suspend disbelief. Ryan argues that 1HVI is by no means a failure as a play for theatrical performance (xl). Bevington seems to accede to Shakespeares nonconventional view of history when he writes. Shakespeares scenes seriously challenge any providential view of history (Introduction, unpaginated).