The Complete First Part of Henry VI

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One recurrent criticism of the First Part of HVI is its cavalier disregard for chronology and historical events. However, Lawrence V. Ryan argues that the "disjointing of time . . . enables him [Shakespeare] to achieve striking dramatic and didactic effects" (xxx). Thus, one is enjoined to remember Coleridge's admonition to suspend disbelief. Ryan argues that 1HVI is "by no means a failure as a play for theatrical performance" (xl). Bevington seems to accede to Shakespeare's nonconventional view of history when he writes. Shakespeare's scenes "seriously challenge any providential view of history" ("Introduction," unpaginated).