Henry VI, Part II · Chapter
Scene III explained
After the victory at the First Battle of St.
What happens
After the victory at the First Battle of St. Albans, York, Richard, Warwick, and Salisbury celebrate their success. Salisbury is praised for his valor, and York decides to pursue the fleeing king to London to call a parliament.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Resolution.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
York’s aside reveals his barely contained fury and his strategic decision to dissemble, marking the emotional…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Kingship and Leadership
York's decisive leadership after the battle contrasts with Henry's flight, highlighting the crisis of royal authority.
- The Consequences of War
The aftermath of battle reveals the immediate political and military repercussions, including the pursuit of the king.
Characters to notice
- Richard, Duke of York
Leads the victorious forces and resolves to pursue King Henry to London.
- Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick
Celebrates the battle and vows to follow the enemy to London.
- Earl of Salisbury
Arrives safely after being defended three times by Richard in battle.
- King Henry VI
Reported to have fled to London to call a parliament.
Key passages
“Saint Alban’s battle won by famous York Shall be eternized in all age to come.”
The victory at St. Albans achieved by the renowned York will be remembered forever.
Warwick proclaims the lasting fame of the Yorkist triumph.
“I know our safety is to follow them; For, as I hear, the king is fled to London, To call a present court of parliament.”
Our security lies in pursuing them, because I understand the king has escaped to London to convene a parliament.
York argues for immediate pursuit to consolidate their advantage.
