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A review by readingisadoingword
Henry IV, part II by William Shakespeare
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is the 13th play we've read as part of The Upstart Crows Shakespeare readalong and the 3rd in the sequence knows as The Henriad.
This play follows on from the King's victory at Shrewsbury at the end of Part 1. However there seems to be no continuity or recognition of the fact that in Part 1, Hal/Prince Henry had already showed signs of mending his wild ways.
In this installment the rebels are conspiring once again, the King lies dying and concerned for his wayward son. Falstaff is up to his usual shenanigans - swindling conscripts and generally causing havoc for those around him.
There is no real battle in this book and the tension comes from the King's dying state and trepidation around the behaviour of his heir, as well as from Falstaff's behaviour and plans of reunion with Prince Hal.
When the King dies and Hal succeeds to the throne and crown, he once again renounces his wild ways and promises to be a great leader. In ignorance of his newly reformed state, Falstaff eagerly plans his reunion with Hal, only to be sorely disappointed.
This play has an overall subdued feel. There's not a lot of action but there is quite a bit of speculation and tension and acknowledgment of past wrongs and future responsibilities. The ending is poignant and leaves the "great" character of Falstaff brought down by his new King's indifference.
I look forward to Henry V!
Some Quotes I liked:
"Rumour is a pipe
Blown by surmises, jealousies, conjectures
And of so easy and so plain a stop
That the blunt monster with uncounted heads,
The still-discordant wavering multitude,
Can play upon it."
"I'll tickle your catastrophe!"
"Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown."
This play follows on from the King's victory at Shrewsbury at the end of Part 1. However there seems to be no continuity or recognition of the fact that in Part 1, Hal/Prince Henry had already showed signs of mending his wild ways.
In this installment the rebels are conspiring once again, the King lies dying and concerned for his wayward son. Falstaff is up to his usual shenanigans - swindling conscripts and generally causing havoc for those around him.
There is no real battle in this book and the tension comes from the King's dying state and trepidation around the behaviour of his heir, as well as from Falstaff's behaviour and plans of reunion with Prince Hal.
When the King dies and Hal succeeds to the throne and crown, he once again renounces his wild ways and promises to be a great leader. In ignorance of his newly reformed state, Falstaff eagerly plans his reunion with Hal, only to be sorely disappointed.
This play has an overall subdued feel. There's not a lot of action but there is quite a bit of speculation and tension and acknowledgment of past wrongs and future responsibilities. The ending is poignant and leaves the "great" character of Falstaff brought down by his new King's indifference.
I look forward to Henry V!
Some Quotes I liked:
"Rumour is a pipe
Blown by surmises, jealousies, conjectures
And of so easy and so plain a stop
That the blunt monster with uncounted heads,
The still-discordant wavering multitude,
Can play upon it."
"I'll tickle your catastrophe!"
"Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown."