Previous
Terms
In Shakespeare’s time, an alarum was a call to arms, or a signal to begin fighting. Alarums were also used to create confusion, disorienting enemy fighters or catching them by surprise. Though there is some debate over what historical alarums might have sounded like, they probably ranged from more melodic pieces of music (like the trumpet “flourishes” that the play occasionally references) to simple drum beats or bell sounds. Throughout Henry VI Part 1, alarums are often used to signal a change in scene or to initiate the beginning of a battle montage.
Alarum Quotes in Henry VI Part 1
The Henry VI Part 1 quotes below are all either spoken by Alarum or refer to Alarum. For each quote, you can also see the other terms and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
).
Act 3, Scene 2
Quotes
An alarum: excursions. Enter FASTOLF and a CAPTAIN
CAPTAIN: Whither away, Sir John Fastolfe, in such haste?
FASTOLF: Whither away! to save myself by flight:
We are like to have the overthrow again.
CAPTAIN: What! will you fly, and leave Lord Talbot?
FASTOLF: Ay,
All the Talbots in the world, to save my life!
Exit
CAPTAIN: Cowardly knight! ill fortune follow thee!
Exit
Retreat: excursions. JOAN LA PUCELLE, ALANSON, and CHARLES fly
BEDFORD: Now, quiet soul, depart when heaven please,
For I have seen our enemies’ overthrow.
What is the trust or strength of foolish man?
They that of late were daring with their scoffs
Are glad and fain by flight to save themselves.
BEDFORD dies, and is carried in by two in his chair
Related Characters:
Related Symbols:
Related Themes:
Page Number and Citation:
Explanation and Analysis:
Act 5, Scene 5
Quotes
KING HENRY VI: Whether it be through force of your report,
[…] or for that
My tender youth was never yet attaint
With any passion of inflaming love,
I cannot tell; but this I am assured,
I feel such sharp dissension in my breast,
Such fierce alarums both of hope and fear,
As I am sick with working of my thoughts.
Take, therefore, shipping; post, my lord, to France;
Agree to any covenants, and procure
That Lady Margaret do vouchsafe to come
To cross the seas to England and be crown’d
King Henry’s faithful and anointed queen:
[…]
Be gone, I say; for, till you do return,
I rest perplexed with a thousand cares.
Related Characters:
Related Themes:
Page Number and Citation:
Explanation and Analysis:
Get the entire Henry VI Part 1 LitChart as a printable PDF.
