# Scene I: The Battle of Barnet explained — Henry VI, Part III

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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