Edward II: Act 3, Scene 4 Summary & Analysis

Edward's insistence that he is responsible (morally or tactically) for his victory is a mark of arrogance in a play where "fortune" figures prominently. As more and more characters rise to power and then fall, it becomes increasingly clear that they are at the mercy of forces beyond their control—including, as Edward says here, simple "chance."

Kent's definition of loyalty continues to clash with Edward's in this scene. As Kent describes it, the nobles' rebellion was actually a roundabout demonstration of their allegiance to both England and its monarch, since Gaveston was usurping Edward's place as king (Kent describes Gaveston as being removed from Edward's "throne"). Edward clearly disagrees and continues to complain of the nobles' disregard for his wishes. This in turn cements Lancaster and Warwick's opinion of Edward as unworthy of the throne. As they see it, it would be dishonorable not to rebel against Edward, even at the cost of their own lives.

Mortimer's words combine what appears to be genuine patriotism with personal ambition. On the one hand, his concern for the welfare of the country seems authentic. His complaints at being imprisoned, however, hint at the extent of his personal pride. In fact, he describes himself as "aspiring" even to "heaven." Mortimer ultimately pays for this hubris, not so much in the sense that he is punished for it, but in the sense that "fortune" proves indifferent to his plans for himself.

Tellingly, it is Spencer Junior rather than Edward himself who finally realizes the danger that Isabella poses and takes steps to undermine it. His attempts to counteract Isabella's pleas do in fact prove largely successful, but are not enough to prevent her from returning to England with an army.