Suffolk (1 Henry VI)

Play

Henry VI, Part 1

Summary

William de la Pole, Earl of Suffolk, captures the French noblewoman Margaret of Anjou in battle and immediately falls in love with her. Although already betrothed, he schemes to make Margaret Henry VI's queen so she can rule through her while he holds her heart — a fateful arrangement that will poison English politics for decades.

Notable Quotations

"She's beautiful, and therefore to be woo'd; / She is a woman, therefore to be won." *(5.3)*

"I'll undertake to make thee Henry's queen, / To put a golden sceptre in thy hand / And set a precious crown upon thy head, / If thou wilt condescend to be my — / My love, I mean, my sovereign, mistress, and my love." *(5.3)*

Cross-references

• Henry VI, Part 1 — the play
• Henry VI, Part 2 — Suffolk's role deepens
• Queen Margaret — the object of his obsession
• Histories