York (2 Henry VI)

Play

Henry VI, Part 2

Summary

Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York, is the Yorkist claimant to the English throne whose carefully nursed ambition ignites the Wars of the Roses. He manipulates the Jack Cade rebellion as a test of popular sentiment, builds his coalition among the nobility, and finally marches against Henry VI with an army. His is the calculating intelligence behind the Yorkist cause.

Notable Quotations

"A day will come when York shall claim his own; / And therefore I will take the Nevils' parts, / And make a show of love to proud Duke Humphrey, / And when I spy advantage, claim the crown." *(1.1)*

"Now, York, or never, steel thy fearful thoughts, / And change misdoubt to resolution: / Be that thou hopest to be, or what thou art / Resign to death; it is not worth the enjoying." *(3.1)*

"Anjou and Maine are given to the French; / Paris is lost; the state of Normandy / Stands on a tickle point now they are gone." *(1.1)*

Cross-references

• Henry VI, Part 2 — the play
• Henry VI, Part 3 — York's capture and death
• York (3 Henry VI) — continuation of this character
• King Henry VI — his rival for the throne
• Jack Cade — the rebel he manipulates
• Queen Margaret — his deadly enemy
• Histories