A play that is deeply concerned with the themes of honor, duty, and chivalry, King Edward III follows the war-time triumphs of its titular character, who ruled England from 1327-1377. Beginning in the midst of the Scottish War of Independence, King Edward extinguishes a Scottish uprising, and in the process, becomes enchanted by the wife of one of his lords, the Countess of Salisbury. But, before their forbidden longing can lead to disaster, Edward and his army must travel to France to continue the two countries’ long and embittered conflict over the French throne. King Edward, ultimately, wins the day, due in large part to the heroism of his son, “The Black Prince.” This Shakespearean history play paints a portrait of Edward III as a conventional and successful ruler struggling with hidden desires and the rigours of war.
King Edward III guide sections
