# Scene IV explained — Henry VI, Part III

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

## What happens

On the plains near Tewksbury, Queen Margaret rallies her forces—Prince Edward, Somerset, and Oxford—urging them to fight despite recent losses. She compares Edward, Clarence, and Richard to dangerous natural elements. A messenger announces Edward IV's approach, and both sides prepare for battle. Margaret and Edward IV exchange defiant speeches before the armies clash.

## Themes in this chapter

### Gender and Queenship

Margaret's valiant leadership contrasts with traditional gender roles, as she takes on the 'skilful pilot's charge' and inspires men to battle.

### Betrayal and Allegiance

Margaret's speech condemns Clarence as a 'quicksand of deceit' and Richard as a 'ragged fatal rock,' highlighting the theme of betrayal among the York brothers.

### Power and Ambition

Both sides display relentless ambition: Margaret refuses to yield, and Edward vows to uproot the Lancastrian 'thorny wood' by force.

## Character check-ins

### Queen Margaret

Delivers a stirring speech to her troops, comparing their enemies to ruthless sea and rocks, and insisting on courage over lamentation.

### Prince Edward of Westminster

Echoes his mother's valiant spirit, offering fearful men permission to leave before battle.

### Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerset

Supports Margaret and Oxford, vowing shame to any who would not fight for such a cause.

### John de Vere, Earl of Oxford

Praises Prince Edward as a renewal of his grandfather's glory and declares they will not retreat.

### King Edward IV

Leads his army, comparing the enemy to a thorny wood that must be uprooted by nightfall.

### Richard, Duke of Gloucester

Present among Edward's forces, though without lines in this scene.

### George, Duke of Clarence

Present among Edward's forces, though without lines in this scene.

## Key lines

> What though the mast be now blown overboard, The cable broke, the holding-anchor lost, And half our sailors swallow’d in the flood? Yet lives our pilot still.

Even though we have lost our leaders and many men, we still have a leader to guide us.

_Margaret uses a shipwreck metaphor to encourage her troops despite the deaths of Warwick and Montague._

> And what is Edward but ruthless sea? What Clarence but a quicksand of deceit? And Richard but a ragged fatal rock?

Edward is like a merciless sea, Clarence like treacherous quicksand, and Richard like a deadly rock.

_Margaret compares the York brothers to natural hazards to warn her followers that there is no mercy from them._

> O brave young prince! thy famous grandfather Doth live again in thee: long mayst thou live To bear his image and renew his glories!

You are as courageous as your grandfather, King Henry V, and I hope you live to match his achievements.

_Oxford praises Prince Edward by likening him to his heroic grandfather, Henry V._

## Links

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