Richard II · Chapter
Scene III explained
Bolingbroke, now king, inquires about his prodigal son Prince Hal.
What happens
Bolingbroke, now king, inquires about his prodigal son Prince Hal. Aumerle enters in distress, seeking a private audience to confess a conspiracy. York bursts in, revealing Aumerle's treasonous plot. The Duchess of York pleads for her son's life, and Bolingbroke pardons Aumerle but vows to hunt down the other conspirators.
Themes in this chapter
Loyalty and Betrayal
Aumerle's conspiracy against Bolingbroke and York's loyalty in exposing his son's treason highlight the conflict between familial and political allegiance.
Mercy and Justice
Bolingbroke's pardon of Aumerle after the Duchess's plea contrasts with York's demand for strict justice, exploring the balance between clemency and punishment.
Characters to notice
- Henry Bolingbroke
Now king, he inquires about his son Prince Hal, confronts Aumerle's treason, and ultimately pardons Aumerle after the Duchess's plea.
- Duke of Aumerle
Confesses to conspiracy against Bolingbroke, begs for pardon, and is forgiven after his mother's intercession.
- Duke of York
Reveals Aumerle's treason, demands punishment, and argues against mercy.
- Duchess of York
Pleads passionately for her son Aumerle's pardon, kneeling and arguing with York.
- Henry Percy
Reports to Bolingbroke about Prince Hal's whereabouts and behavior.
Key passages
“Can no man tell me of my unthrifty son? ’Tis full three months since I did see him last: If any plague hang over us, ’tis he.”
Bolingbroke asks if anyone knows where his wasteful son is, as he hasn't seen him in three months and fears he is a curse upon them.
Bolingbroke expresses concern and frustration about Prince Hal's dissolute behavior.
“For ever may my knees grow to the earth, My tongue cleave to my roof within my mouth, Unless a pardon ere I rise or speak.”
Aumerle swears he will remain kneeling and silent unless he receives a pardon before he speaks or stands.
Aumerle begs for a pardon before confessing his treason.
“O heinous, strong and bold conspiracy! O loyal father of a treacherous son!”
Bolingbroke exclaims at the shocking conspiracy and praises York's loyalty despite his son's betrayal.
Bolingbroke reacts to the revelation of Aumerle's plot.
“Speak 'pardon' as ’tis current in our land; The chopping French we do not understand.”
The Duchess insists that Bolingbroke say 'pardon' in English, not French, as she rejects York's sarcastic suggestion.
The Duchess pleads for a clear pardon in the common tongue.
“I pardon him, as God shall pardon me.”
Bolingbroke grants Aumerle a pardon, invoking divine mercy as his model.
Bolingbroke formally forgives Aumerle.