# Scene II explained — Henry VI, Part II

> Chapter companion for Henry VI, Part II by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

The Battle of St. Albans rages. Warwick calls out Clifford, but York intervenes to fight old Clifford himself, killing him. Young Clifford discovers his father's body and vows brutal vengeance against the House of York. Richard kills Somerset. King Henry and Queen Margaret flee the battlefield as York's victory becomes clear.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Consequences of War

The battle's brutality is shown through the deaths of Clifford and Somerset, and Young Clifford's vow of vengeance highlights the cycle of violence.

### Honor and Reputation

York and Clifford both appeal to honor in their duel, while Young Clifford seeks fame through cruelty.

### Kingship and Leadership

Henry VI's indecisiveness and Margaret's forceful leadership contrast sharply, questioning Henry's fitness to rule.

## Character check-ins

### Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick

Calls out Clifford and engages in the battle, seeking a crown for York.

### Richard, Duke of York

Kills old Clifford in single combat, asserting his claim to the throne.

### Lord Clifford

Old Clifford is slain by York; his son Young Clifford discovers his body.

### Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerset

Killed by Richard under the Castle alehouse sign, fulfilling a prophecy.

### King Henry VI

Flees the battlefield with Queen Margaret after York's victory.

### Queen Margaret

Urges Henry to flee, showing pragmatism and resolve.

## Key lines

> La fin couronne les œuvres.

The end crowns the work.

_Old Clifford's dying words in French, acknowledging that death is the final judgment of one's deeds._

> My heart is turn'd to stone: and while 'tis mine, It shall be stony.

My heart has become stone, and as long as it is mine, it will remain hard and unfeeling.

_Young Clifford's vow of merciless revenge after seeing his father's corpse._

> Priests pray for enemies, but princes kill.

Clergy pray for their enemies, but rulers kill them.

_Richard's cynical justification for killing Somerset, contrasting religious mercy with political ruthlessness._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/henry_vi_part_ii_se/chapters/act-v-scene-ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/henry_vi_part_ii_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/henry_vi_part_ii_se/chapters