Henry VI, Part III · Chapter
Scene I: The Battle of Barnet explained
At Coventry, Warwick awaits reinforcements from Oxford, Montague, Somerset, and Clarence.
What happens
At Coventry, Warwick awaits reinforcements from Oxford, Montague, Somerset, and Clarence. King Edward and Gloucester arrive to parley, but Warwick refuses to submit. Oxford, Montague, and Somerset enter the city to support Warwick, but Clarence arrives and defects back to his brother Edward, denouncing Warwick as a traitor. Edward welcomes Clarence, and Warwick, enraged, challenges Edward to battle at Barnet.
Themes in this chapter
Betrayal and Allegiance
Clarence's defection from Warwick to Edward highlights the theme of shifting loyalties, as he calls Warwick a 'passing traitor' and seeks forgiveness from his brother.
Power and Ambition
Warwick's refusal to submit and his claim that he 'gave the kingdom' to Edward underscore the struggle for power and control.
Kingship and Leadership
Edward's confident leadership and Warwick's challenge to his authority reflect the contested nature of kingship during the Wars of the Roses.
Characters to notice
- Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick
Warwick commands Coventry, awaits allies, and refuses Edward's offer of mercy, choosing to fight.
- King Edward IV
Edward arrives at Coventry, parleys with Warwick, welcomes Clarence's return, and prepares for battle.
- Richard, Duke of Gloucester
Richard taunts Warwick, notes the defection of Montague, and supports Edward.
- George, Duke of Clarence
Clarence defects from Warwick to Edward, throwing away his red rose and declaring himself Edward's loyal brother.
- John de Vere, Earl of Oxford
Oxford arrives with forces to support Warwick, entering Coventry.
- John Neville, Marquess of Montague
Montague arrives with forces to support Warwick, entering Coventry.
- Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerset
Somerset arrives with forces to support Warwick, entering Coventry.
- Sir John Somerville
Somerville reports to Warwick that Clarence is at Southam, but the drum heard is from Warwick.
Key passages
“I will not ruinate my father’s house, Who gave his blood to lime the stones together, And set up Lancaster.”
I will not destroy my family's legacy, which my father built with his blood to support Lancaster.
Clarence justifies his return to Edward by citing loyalty to his father's memory.
“To keep that oath were more impiety Than Jephthah’s, when he sacrificed his daughter.”
Keeping my oath to Warwick would be more sinful than Jephthah's sacrifice of his daughter.
Clarence argues that breaking his oath to Warwick is morally right.
“Thou art no Atlas for so great a weight: And, weakling, Warwick takes his gift again; And Henry is my king, Warwick his subject.”
You are not strong enough to bear the burden of kingship; I take back the crown I gave you, and Henry is now my king.
Warwick dismisses Edward's claim to the throne, asserting his own power to bestow it.
“Wind-changing Warwick now can change no more.”
Warwick, who changes his allegiance like the wind, will soon be dead and unable to change again.
Edward threatens Warwick with death, mocking his reputation for shifting sides.
