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A review by baosbooks
Henry VIII by William Shakespeare
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!”