Hubert: The Man Who Could Not Kill a Child
First appears: Act 2, Scene 1
Hubert is given the order to kill Arthur in Act 3. John communicates it through hints rather than direct commands, giving himself room to deny it later. Hubert understands perfectly what is required.
When the moment comes in Act 4, he cannot do it. Arthur's pleading (direct, childish, practical) gets through to him. He lets Arthur live and tells John he is dead.
When Arthur then dies trying to escape, and everyone assumes Hubert carried out the murder, his position becomes almost impossible. He has to prove a negative: that he did not kill a boy who died anyway.
Key Scenes
Famous Quotes
“Young Arthur is alive: this hand of mine Is yet a maiden and an innocent hand.”
Hubert de Burgh — Act 4, Scene 2
“Old men and beldams in the streets Do prophesy upon it dangerously: Young Arthur's death is common in their mouths.”
Hubert de Burgh — Act 4, Scene 2
Themes
Other Characters in King John
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