Henry VI, Part I · Chapter
Scene IV explained
On the turrets of Orleans, Lord Salisbury and Lord Talbot discuss Talbot's harsh imprisonment and exchange.
What happens
On the turrets of Orleans, Lord Salisbury and Lord Talbot discuss Talbot's harsh imprisonment and exchange. As they survey the French fortifications, a master-gunner and his boy set up a cannon to target the English leaders. The boy fires, mortally wounding Salisbury and Sir Thomas Gargrave. Talbot mourns Salisbury's death and vows revenge, while a messenger announces the arrival of the Dauphin and Joan la Pucelle to raise the siege.
Themes in this chapter
Loss of Heroic Leadership
The death of Salisbury, a veteran commander trained by Henry V, symbolizes the decline of English martial prowess and the loss of experienced leaders.
Supernatural and Religious Conflict
Joan la Pucelle is introduced as a holy prophetess, setting up the religious and supernatural dimensions of the conflict.
Characters to notice
- Earl of Salisbury
Mortally wounded by a cannon shot while surveying Orleans from the turret; dies after urging Talbot to avenge him.
- Lord Talbot
Recently exchanged from French captivity; recounts his harsh treatment and vows revenge after Salisbury's death.
- Sir Thomas Gargrave
Falls alongside Salisbury from the same cannon shot; dies shortly after.
- Sir William Glansdale
Present on the turret with Salisbury and Talbot; survives the attack.
- Sir John Fastolfe
Mentioned by Talbot with anger for his treachery during Talbot's captivity.
- Charles the Dauphin
Reported by the messenger to be approaching Orleans with Joan la Pucelle to lift the siege.
- Joan of Arc
Introduced as a holy prophetess joining the Dauphin's forces to raise the siege of Orleans.
Key passages
“In thirteen battles Salisbury o'ercame; Henry the Fifth he first train'd to the wars;”
Salisbury was victorious in thirteen battles and was the one who first trained Henry V for warfare.
Talbot eulogizes Salisbury's military record and his role in mentoring the late king.
“He beckons with his hand and smiles on me, As who should say 'When I am dead and gone, Remember to avenge me on the French.'”
Salisbury gestures and smiles, silently urging Talbot to avenge his death against the French.
Talbot interprets Salisbury's dying signal as a call for vengeance.