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lukas_sotola's review against another edition
The characters in this play are pretty sterile. None of them has much of a personality or much complexity; they are meant to be simple representations of their historical figures. However, the long, eloquent speeches do not fail to move the reader, even when a despicable person like Wolsey speaks them, and they are some of Shakespeare's finest poetry. You could also argue that this play presents a compelling portrayal of the fickleness of fortune, though that wreaks to me of forcing profundity on a play that was obviously supposed to be a simple, enjoyable spectacle.
baosbooks's review against another edition
3.0
*It is rated 3 stars in comparison to other Shakespeare's work. The writing in this is still incredible and a worthy-read.
Personally I don't think its one of Shakespeare's finest works. I feel like its mostly constructed to glorify the birth of Princess Elizabeth and monarchs to follow her (King James I), so it feels a bit like a propaganda piece. Henry VIII felt like an extra instead of the main character, we never really felt him significant in any way. Quite frankly, with the way it is written taking him completely out of the play would not really affect the plot. The play also seems rushed and there was almost no real focus and development for each character. Hence, it is quite underwhelming.
However, some there are some positives: Although it is a relatively short plays, the character development is admirable, as with most of Shakespeare's work. Furthermore, Shakespeare can always earn a tear for his tragic heroes. The end of Buckingham, Katharine and especially Wolsey's was incredibly well done. Although his deeds were terrible, his hamartia was so human and relatable it is hard not to feel for him.
I would definitely recommend it to people interested in the Tudors period, but for first time Shakespeares reader, it might not be the book that most caters to you.
Here are some of my favourite quotes:
“Men's evil manners live in brass; their virtues we write in water.”
“O, how wretched is that poor man that hangs on princes’ favors!”
Personally I don't think its one of Shakespeare's finest works. I feel like its mostly constructed to glorify the birth of Princess Elizabeth and monarchs to follow her (King James I), so it feels a bit like a propaganda piece. Henry VIII felt like an extra instead of the main character, we never really felt him significant in any way. Quite frankly, with the way it is written taking him completely out of the play would not really affect the plot. The play also seems rushed and there was almost no real focus and development for each character. Hence, it is quite underwhelming.
However, some there are some positives: Although it is a relatively short plays, the character development is admirable, as with most of Shakespeare's work. Furthermore, Shakespeare can always earn a tear for his tragic heroes. The end of Buckingham, Katharine and especially Wolsey's was incredibly well done. Although his deeds were terrible, his hamartia was so human and relatable it is hard not to feel for him.
I would definitely recommend it to people interested in the Tudors period, but for first time Shakespeares reader, it might not be the book that most caters to you.
Here are some of my favourite quotes:
“Men's evil manners live in brass; their virtues we write in water.”
“O, how wretched is that poor man that hangs on princes’ favors!”
gabi_leoncini's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 rating. Informative & full of political intrigue. Interesting depictions of Katherine vs Anne & not-so-subtle allusions to Elizabeth's success. Slow paced at times & large soliloquies that were hard to engage with. Not my favourite Shakespeare (not my least favourite either!) but a good History nevertheless.
john_opalenik's review against another edition
4.0
It's Shakespeare so you already know it's a great play. The ending is simultaneously triumphant and darkly ironic given the historical context. "Yay! Queen Elizabeth is born! Best Monarch ever!" but at the same time you're thinking, "If this play were a little longer it would be a tragedy rather than a history, given what happens to Anne."
tharina's review against another edition
2.0
Around the Year in 52 Books 2021: A book set in a state, province, or country you have never visited.
alicejwhite17's review against another edition
5.0
King Henry VIII is the history surrounding his famous divorce from Catherine of Aragon and his marriage to Anne Boleyn. It also covers the other trials of various "traitors" and even Cardinal Wolsey. Honestly it has been a while since I read it but from what stood out to me the most about this play was the portrayal of Catherine and Anne. Catherine was seen as very sympathetic and Anne was simply in the background as far as the plot line goes. She only has lines in one act of the play and the scene she is, is her coronation and then she disappears from the play. Scholars say that has something to do with Queen Elizabeth being on the throne or King James but honestly I think it was nice seeing Catherine as sympathetic because too often the focus is on Anne Boleyn and her beheading. Countless books and movies have been dedicated to poor Anne Boleyn but what of King Henry's wife Catherine of thirty plus years? I would much prefer to watch or read a story about her and the divorce trial because there was more to it than King Henry's wandering eye. Shakespeare's play did a very good job of exploring that different side of history.
mugoika's review against another edition
1.0
So... I've read the entire play and could not tell another person a thing that has happened in it. That's probably not a great sign, right? Maybe I should read a summary to know what this was about.