Henry VI Part 3 Questions

Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.

  1. Why is it unnatural for Margaret to lead the army? What does the play tell us about expectations for women?
  2. Who deserves the crown more: Henry or York? Why does it get passed back and forth so many times in the play?
  3. Why does Edward risk everything to marry Lady Grey? Are we supposed to believe they are actually in love?
  4. Can Henry VI, Part 3 be performed as a single play, with none of the other plays in the group? To what extent does the play rely on the information given in the previous two plays, or hint at what's to come in Richard III?
  5. Why are there so many prophetic speeches in Henry VI, Part 3? Do they all come true? Does it matter if they do?
  6. Is the play supposed to be one big, messy family drama? Why do loyalties change so much even within families?
  7. Henry doesn't want the crown, but everyone else does. Why do you think that is? What might Shakespeare be telling us about ruling?
  8. Is revenge justified in some situations? Clifford kills York because York killed his dad. Then Richard wants to kill Clifford for killing York. If that's okay, then where does the cycle end?