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 Coleridges 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 Shakespeares nonconventional view of history when he writes. Shakespeares scenes seriously challenge any providential view of history (Introduction, unpaginated).
