Henry IV, Part 2

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Henry IV, Part 2

William Shakespeare

Drama

Aug 10, 2018

No one who has made the acquaintance of Falstaff in Henry IV, Part 1 has to ask why Shakespeare brought the stout knight back for a sequel. Indeed, legend—albeit largely unsupported by textual evidence—has it that even Elizabeth the queen was smitten by the character: Her call for a play on the theme of Falstaff in love allegedly prompted the Bard to compose The Merry Wives of Windsor. Henry IV, Part 2 picks up where Part 1 leaves off, but its tone is darker, for the play is dominated by the king’s battles with illness and relentless political unrest. The crown Henry has usurped never sits easily on his brow: His struggle with rebellious nobles is mirrored by the turmoil of his own soul as he broods upon the consequences of his revolt against Richard II. Nevertheless, Falstaff again steals most of the show with his scheming antics; his seductive cleverness nearly scatters the dark shadows cast by the monarch’s concerns of state and conscience.

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Jane Huttner

Jan 2, 2020

I read and listened to the Arkangel dramatizied recording. I liked how Henry V grew up, made amends with the Chief Justice and banished Falstaff and his cohorts til they reformed themselves. I think it will give Henry a good start to his monarchy to have them out of the way so he can grow into his being King.

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