The Complete First Part of Henry VI

<p>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 Coleridge’s 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 Shakespeare’s nonconventional view of history when he writes. Shakespeare’s scenes “seriously challenge any providential view of history” (“Introduction” unpaginated).</p>