Henry VI, Part III · Chapter
Scene IV explained
Richard confronts Clifford in single combat, vowing revenge for the deaths of his father York and brother Rutland.
What happens
Richard confronts Clifford in single combat, vowing revenge for the deaths of his father York and brother Rutland. Clifford boasts of his murders and attacks Richard, but Warwick's arrival causes Clifford to flee. Richard resolves to pursue and kill Clifford himself.
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 Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
This scene is the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of King Edward’s tr…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Betrayal and Allegiance
Clifford's allegiance to Lancaster drives him to murder York and Rutland, while Richard's loyalty to York fuels his quest for vengeance.
- Power and Ambition
Clifford's triumph in killing his enemies and Richard's determination to hunt him down reflect the ruthless pursuit of power.
Characters to notice
- Richard, Duke of Gloucester
Confronts Clifford alone, seeking revenge for his father York and brother Rutland.
- Lord Clifford
Boasts of killing York and Rutland, fights Richard, then flees at Warwick's approach.
- Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick
Enters the fray, causing Clifford to flee.
Key passages
“Now, Clifford, I have singled thee alone: Suppose this arm is for the Duke of York, And this for Rutland; both bound to revenge, Wert thou environ’d with a brazen wall.”
Richard tells Clifford that he has chosen him for single combat, and that his arms are dedicated to avenging his father York and brother Rutland, even if Clifford were surrounded by an impenetrable wall.
Richard declares his intent to avenge his family's deaths.
“This is the hand that stabb’d thy father York; And this the hand that slew thy brother Rutland; And here’s the heart that triumphs in their death And cheers these hands that slew thy sire and brother To execute the like upon thyself;”
Clifford boasts that his hands killed both York and Rutland, and his heart rejoices in those deaths, encouraging him to do the same to Richard.
Clifford taunts Richard with his murders.
“Nay Warwick, single out some other chase; For I myself will hunt this wolf to death.”
Richard tells Warwick to find another opponent, because he intends to pursue and kill Clifford himself.
Richard insists on personally hunting down Clifford.
