# Scene IV explained — Henry VI, Part III

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

## What happens

Richard confronts Clifford in single combat, vowing revenge for the deaths of his father York and brother Rutland. Clifford boasts of his murders and attacks Richard, but Warwick's arrival causes Clifford to flee. Richard resolves to pursue and kill Clifford himself.

## Themes in this chapter

### Betrayal and Allegiance

Clifford's allegiance to Lancaster drives him to murder York and Rutland, while Richard's loyalty to York fuels his quest for vengeance.

### Power and Ambition

Clifford's triumph in killing his enemies and Richard's determination to hunt him down reflect the ruthless pursuit of power.

## Character check-ins

### Richard, Duke of Gloucester

Confronts Clifford alone, seeking revenge for his father York and brother Rutland.

### Lord Clifford

Boasts of killing York and Rutland, fights Richard, then flees at Warwick's approach.

### Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick

Enters the fray, causing Clifford to flee.

## Key lines

> Now, Clifford, I have singled thee alone: Suppose this arm is for the Duke of York, And this for Rutland; both bound to revenge, Wert thou environ’d with a brazen wall.

Richard tells Clifford that he has chosen him for single combat, and that his arms are dedicated to avenging his father York and brother Rutland, even if Clifford were surrounded by an impenetrable wall.

_Richard declares his intent to avenge his family's deaths._

> This is the hand that stabb’d thy father York; And this the hand that slew thy brother Rutland; And here’s the heart that triumphs in their death And cheers these hands that slew thy sire and brother To execute the like upon thyself;

Clifford boasts that his hands killed both York and Rutland, and his heart rejoices in those deaths, encouraging him to do the same to Richard.

_Clifford taunts Richard with his murders._

> Nay Warwick, single out some other chase; For I myself will hunt this wolf to death.

Richard tells Warwick to find another opponent, because he intends to pursue and kill Clifford himself.

_Richard insists on personally hunting down Clifford._

## Links

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