Henry VI, Part II · Chapter
Scene II: York's Claim to the Crown explained
In a private garden, York reveals his claim to the English throne to Salisbury and Warwick, tracing his lineage through Lionel Duke of Clarence.
What happens
In a private garden, York reveals his claim to the English throne to Salisbury and Warwick, tracing his lineage through Lionel Duke of Clarence. He argues that the Lancastrian line holds power by force, not right, and outlines a plan to feign tolerance of the court's corruption until the Duke of Gloucester is eliminated, after which he will seize the crown. Warwick and Salisbury pledge their support, and York promises to elevate Warwick in return.
Themes in this chapter
Political Ambition and Usurpation
York openly plots to claim the crown, arguing that the Lancastrian hold on power is illegitimate, and plans to exploit court divisions to achieve his ambition.
Kingship and Leadership
The scene explores the nature of rightful kingship through York's detailed genealogical argument, contrasting hereditary right with de facto power.
Betrayal and Duplicity
York advises feigning tolerance of Suffolk, Beaufort, and others while secretly waiting for the downfall of Duke Humphrey, revealing a strategy of calculated deception.
Characters to notice
- Richard, Duke of York
York lays out his genealogical claim to the throne and strategizes with Salisbury and Warwick, advocating patience and secrecy until the time is ripe to strike against the Lancastrians.
- Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick
Warwick enthusiastically supports York's claim, kneels to him as rightful king, and prophesies that he himself will one day make York king.
- Earl of Salisbury
Salisbury listens to York's claim, confirms the historical details, and joins Warwick in saluting York as their sovereign.
Key passages
“Which now they hold by force and not by right; For Richard, the first son's heir, being dead, The issue of the next son should have reign'd.”
The Lancastrians currently possess the crown through force, not legitimate inheritance, because after Richard II died without heirs, the throne should have passed to the descendants of the next son, Lionel of Clarence.
York articulates the core of his claim: the Lancastrian line (descended from John of Gaunt, the fourth son) usurped the throne from the line of Lionel (the third son), to which York is the rightful heir.
“Wink at the Duke of Suffolk's insolence, At Beaufort's pride, at Somerset's ambition, At Buckingham and all the crew of them, Till they have snared the shepherd of the flock, That virtuous prince, the good Duke Humphrey: 'Tis that they seek, and they in seeking that Shall find their deaths, if York can prophesy.”
Pretend not to notice the arrogance of Suffolk, Beaufort, Somerset, and Buckingham until they have trapped and destroyed the virtuous Duke Humphrey. Their plot against him will ultimately lead to their own downfall, if York's foresight is correct.
York reveals his strategy of passive waiting, predicting that the court faction's attack on Gloucester will backfire, clearing his path to the throne.