Henry IV, Part II · Chapter
Scene IV explained
Hostess Quickly and Doll Tearsheet are dragged through the streets by beadles, accused of involvement in a man's death.
What happens
Hostess Quickly and Doll Tearsheet are dragged through the streets by beadles, accused of involvement in a man's death. They hurl insults at the beadles and lament that Sir John Falstaff is not there to defend them.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Law
The beadles enforce the law against the women, but the Hostess laments that 'right should thus overcome might,' questioning the fairness of justice.
Deception and Rumor
The accusation of killing a man may be exaggerated or false, as the women vehemently deny and insult the beadles.
Characters to notice
- Mistress Quickly
Dragged by beadles, she wishes for Sir John's help and laments that might overcomes right.
- Doll Tearsheet
Arrested alongside the Hostess, she threatens the beadles and claims she may miscarry.
- Sir John Falstaff
Mentioned by the Hostess as the one who could make a bloody day for the beadles.
- Ancient Pistol
Mentioned as one of those who beat the man that died.
Key passages
“O God, that right should thus overcome might! Well, of sufferance comes ease.”
Oh God, that justice should be overpowered by force! But patience brings relief.
Hostess Quickly laments the injustice of her arrest and resigns herself to suffering.
“O the Lord, that Sir John were come! he would make this a bloody day to somebody.”
Oh Lord, if only Sir John were here! He would make this a violent day for someone.
Hostess Quickly wishes Falstaff were present to defend them with force.