payment page
The earl of Warwick played a major role in Henry VI, Part 2, where he became one of York’s earliest and most fervent supporters. As Part 3 begins, Warwick remains an important ally for the Yorkist effort, and even after York is killed, he takes part in the successful military campaign that enables Edward to claim the throne. However, in a key turning point in the play, Warwick revokes his allegiance to Edward and pledges himself to the house of Lancaster. This shift occurs when Edward sends Warwick to France to arrange a marriage with King Louis’s daughter. Warwick’s mission is successful, due in large part to the ambassador’s skilled oratory. But it quickly falls apart when news arrives that Edward has gone ahead with a different marriage. Infuriated by the betrayal and the humiliation he’s made to face before the French king, Warwick commits himself to defeating Edward. Henry VI, Part 3 features many instances of broken vows and redirected loyalties, but perhaps no other example is as powerful as Warwick’s, given his reputation as a “kingmaker.” As the man who installed Edward on the throne, he claims the power to remove him as well. Although Warwick doesn’t succeed in defeating Edward, his turn against the house York symbolizes the souring of the Yorkist claim.
