Act 2, Scene 3 Summary

In the street, two citizens meet. They talk of King Edward's death. The second citizen worries for the country now that the king is gone, since turmoil usually occurs after a king's death, especially when the next in line is not of age yet. A third citizen joins the conversation, even more worried about what is going to happen because the young prince has no-one to guide him in learning how to rule. He says the queen's brothers are too "haughty and proud," and "full of danger is the Duke of Gloucester" (Richard). According to the three men, the outlook for England is not good, and all that can be done is to leave the situation to God.

Act 2, Scene 3 Analysis

Historically, the change of power after a ruler's death has never been a smooth occurrence. The fear of what will...