Henry VI Part 2

Roles

• York - Adult (36-50), Senior (>50), Male

About this piece

York talks about his plan of action to claim the throne

Summary

This monologues is delivered by York at the end of the 1st scene of act III when all the other characters have exited. The scene takes place at the parliament where Gloucester, the Protector of England, is arrested by order of various nobleman who want him out of the way to gain more power. They plan to kill Gloucester. A messenger arrives with news of a revolt in Ireland. Beaufort urges York to lead the English army there and he accepts. After everybody leaves the scene York reveals his real plans to get to the throne. The moment has arrived, he says, for action, now that he is given an army. He will use Jack Cade, a common man and warrior, who will pretend to be John Mortimer of the house of York. He will stir up a revolt so that York will be able to see what the reaction of the common people will be regarding York's claim to the throne. If the revolt succedes then he will lead his army to London and claim the crown.

Tone

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