# Scene V explained — Henry VI, Part III

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

## What happens

King Edward IV, Gloucester, and Clarence capture Queen Margaret, Oxford, and Somerset. Edward orders Oxford imprisoned and Somerset executed. Prince Edward is brought in, defiantly insults the Yorkists, and is stabbed to death by Edward, Gloucester, and Clarence. Queen Margaret mourns and curses them. Gloucester departs for London, hinting at a bloody deed in the Tower. Edward orders the army dismissed and plans to return to his queen.

## Themes in this chapter

### Betrayal and Allegiance

The Yorkist brothers unite to murder Prince Edward, while Queen Margaret's pleas for mercy are ignored.

### Power and Ambition

Edward IV consolidates power by eliminating Lancastrian heirs, and Gloucester's ambition hints at future treachery.

### Family and Dynasty

The murder of Prince Edward extinguishes the Lancastrian line, while Edward IV looks forward to his own heir.

## Character check-ins

### King Edward IV

Orders executions, stabs Prince Edward, and plans to return to his queen.

### Richard, Duke of Gloucester

Stabs Prince Edward and departs for London to commit a bloody deed in the Tower.

### George, Duke of Clarence

Stabs Prince Edward and refuses to kill Queen Margaret.

### Queen Margaret

Captured, mourns her son's murder, and curses the Yorkists.

### Prince Edward of Westminster

Defiantly insults the Yorkists and is stabbed to death.

### John de Vere, Earl of Oxford

Captured and ordered imprisoned at Hames Castle.

### Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerset

Captured and ordered beheaded.

## Key lines

> Now here a period of tumultuous broils.

Now the chaotic conflicts come to an end.

_Edward declares the battle over and the Yorkist victory secured._

> So part we sadly in this troublous world, To meet with joy in sweet Jerusalem.

We separate sadly in this troubled world, hoping to meet joyfully in heaven.

_Queen Margaret resigns herself to her fate with a Christian hope._

> Take that, thou likeness of this railer here.

Take that, you who resemble this scold.

_Edward stabs Prince Edward, comparing him to his mother Margaret._

> O, kill me too!

Oh, kill me as well!

_Margaret begs to die alongside her son._

> The Tower, the Tower.

The Tower of London.

_Gloucester hints at his plan to murder Henry VI in the Tower._

## Links

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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/henry_vi_part_iii_se/chapters