# Scene III explained — King John

> Chapter companion for King John by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

On the battlefield, King John, weakened by fever, learns from Hubert that the day goes badly. A messenger brings news that the French reinforcements have been wrecked at sea, causing the French to fight coldly and retreat. Despite the good news, John's fever overwhelms him, and he orders his litter to be brought to Swinstead Abbey.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Authority

King John's physical weakness mirrors the crumbling of his authority as he is forced to retreat from the field.

### Grief and Madness

John's feverish state and faintness suggest a descent into physical and mental suffering, foreshadowing his impending death.

## Character check-ins

### King John

Suffering from a long fever, he is faint and unable to welcome the good news of the French wreck.

### Hubert de Burgh

Reports that the battle is going badly and inquires after the king's health.

### Philip Faulconbridge (the Bastard)

Sends a messenger to advise the king to leave the field and reports the wreck of French supplies.

## Key lines

> This fever, that hath troubled me so long, Lies heavy on me; O, my heart is sick!

This persistent fever weighs me down; my heart is sick.

_King John expresses his debilitating illness._

> The French fight coldly, and retire themselves.

The French are fighting without enthusiasm and are retreating.

_Messenger reports the demoralized state of the French forces after their supply ships were wrecked._

## Links

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