Henry.27s weakness Henry VI, Part 2

this leads henry realisation of how has failed gloucester, , lament own lack of decisiveness , resolution:

another example of weakness ruler seen in utter indifference vital decision of choosing new french regent; somerset , york debate issue, each trying convince henry should 1 job, henry dismissively declares, part, noble lords, care not which:/or somerset or york, s 1 me (1.3.102-103). lack of concern forcibly emphasised when somerset later tells henry french territories have been lost, , henry responds nonchalantly, cold news, lord somerset; god s done (3.1.86). lack of decisive leadership referred others; margaret claims henry lord cold in great affairs,/too full of foolish pity (3.1.224–225). later, when irish post appears news of rebellion, york says whatever henry deems necessary, suffolk responds why, our authority consent,/and establish confirms (3.1.316-317).

the penance of eleanor, duchess of gloucester edwin austin abbey (1900)

henry presented man, poor king, whom roger warren refers man of deep religious conviction no political acumen. weak leader, , partly failure assert authority responsible chaos takes on country. director peter hall says, in theory, henry should king. applies christian ethics government. against men don t. justify behaviour invoking great sanctions – god, king, parliament, people – unscrupulous statesmen, motivated naked desire on top, have used throughout ages. here central irony of play: henry s christian goodness produces evil.