Henry IV, Part II · Chapter
Scene III explained
Northumberland is torn between his desire to join the Archbishop's rebellion and the pleas of his wife and daughter-in-law, Lady Percy, who reminds him of his past failure to support Hotspur.
What happens
Northumberland is torn between his desire to join the Archbishop's rebellion and the pleas of his wife and daughter-in-law, Lady Percy, who reminds him of his past failure to support Hotspur. Ultimately, he decides to flee to Scotland and wait for a more opportune moment.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Reputation
Northumberland's honor is at stake, and Lady Percy argues that he has already lost it by failing Hotspur.
Rebellion and Order
The debate over joining the Archbishop's rebellion highlights the tension between loyalty to the crown and personal ambition.
Characters to notice
- Earl of Northumberland
Struggles with his honor and the decision to join the rebellion; ultimately resolves to go to Scotland.
- Lady Northumberland
Urges her husband to flee to Scotland rather than join the rebels.
- Lady Percy
Grieves for her husband Hotspur and reproaches Northumberland for his past betrayal.
Key passages
“The time was, father, that you broke your word, When you were more endear'd to it than now; When your own Percy, when my heart's dear Harry, Threw many a northward look to see his father Bring up his powers; but he did long in vain.”
You once broke your promise to your son Hotspur, who waited in vain for your reinforcements.
Lady Percy reminds Northumberland of his failure to support Hotspur at Shrewsbury.
“I will resolve for Scotland: there am I, Till time and vantage crave my company.”
I will go to Scotland and wait until the time is right to act.
Northumberland decides to flee to Scotland rather than join the rebellion immediately.