Henry IV Part I and II
This Shakespeare ReadAlong was a WORK OUT. Phew. It was for sure homework. Looking up history, study helps, passages from my NO-FEAR Shakespeare. These works of Shakespeare seemed disjointed, and all over the place. In Part II the first three acts were so painful I had to force myself to get through it. I did enjoy some of the characters only to not want to read about them later. It was a crazy experience. I am very grateful that I read them both as it was on my TBR for literal YEARS. I think the knowledge of these works will be helpful in the long run, but it sure was work to get here!!
Shakespeare’s Henry IV Part I is the story of power, honour and rebellion.
Richard is dead and Henry Bolingbroke is now King Henry IV. The king is not enjoying his reign. He feels guilty about the removal of Richard and it troubles his conscience. He’d like to go to the Holy Land on crusade to pay penance but there are troubles much nearer to home that need his attention.
Part II
King Henry’s health is failing but he is uncertain Hal is a worthy heir. Meanwhile, Falstaff is sent to the
countryside to recruit fresh troops, where he gleefully indulges in the business of lining his own pockets. As the King’s health continues to worsen, Hal must choose between duty and loyalty to an old friend in Shakespeare’s heartbreaking conclusion to this pair of plays.
Henry IV, also known as Henry Bolingbroke, was King of England from 1399 to 1413, and asserted the claim of his grandfather, Edward III, to the Kingdom of France. Henry was born at Bolingbroke Castle in Lincolnshire.
Happily next up is A Midsummers Night’s Dream!
