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King Henry IV Analysis Tables 2020 ph analysis

english advanced (Loreto Kirribilli)

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King Henry IV
What is the context of this quote? What language What does the quote and language/dramatic device
Write a quote from the text
Who says it and what is happening in device or dramatic reveal about the character, their situation in the play
that focuses on King Henry IV
the play at this time? technique is used? and/or the events in the text?
Repetition and
Dramatic
Technique of the Suggests that Henry IV who has maneuvered
Act 1:1 Opening of the play, as Henry stands character successfully to usurp the throne from Richard II is
“So shaken are we, so wan centre stage referring to the civil positioned centre- exhausted from maintaining peace in England where
with care” unrest in England. stage to questions of his legitimacy on the throne has left him
demonstrate is he with a troubled conscience and political instability.
has the highest
Status in the play.
Act 1:1 The King’s opening speech appeals for a break in the
Henry expresses the revulsion he has
“No more the thirsty entrance Metaphor conflict in England where he likens the abhorrent act of
and assumes his Court shares about
of this soil shal daub her lips filicide to graphically suggest his current attitude that
the horrors of civil war within England.
with her own children’s blood” Englishmen fighting Englishmen is barbaric..

1:1:14-15
metaphor / that suggests all of England’s soldiers will march
“Shall now in mutual well- Henry allows himself to hope for
kinesthetic together and civil war is seen as the knife that cuts the
beseeming ranks / March all peace within England in the
imagery King himself.
one way”

Henry planned the crusade and Suggests that Henry is a pragmatic leader whose first
Act 1:1
announces it to the Court to Unite the priority is the unity and stability of England and
“It seems the tidings of this
warring factions by focusing on an Alliteration therefore he responds immediately to the Welsh
broil will break off our business
external foe against the Pagans in the warlord, Glendower’s ignoble defeat of England by
in the holy land”
Holy Land postponing his crusade to the Holy Land.

When Henry hears the news that

1:1:52-76
Hotspur has defeated the Scotts and suggesting that Hotspur is so courageous and brave in
“the gallant Hotspur … for a admiring tone
captured noblemen, Westmoreland battle he could be mistaken for Royalty.
Prince to boast of”
refers to Hotspur as:

Henry’s attitude to Hal compared to expresses the inappropriate nature of his reaction to
1:1:77
Hotspur is complex evidenced when Hotspur, Northumberland’s son which emphasises the
“Yea, there you makest me Alliteration
he tells Westmorland after he has told relationship the king has between sadness and sinning
sad, and makest me sin”
the king of Hotspur’s conquests in the sense of wishing Hotspur was his son, not Hal.

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Henry describes Hotspur to

Act 1:1 represents Hotspur as the epitome of chivalric honour in
Westmoreland when he reports to the
“A son who is the theme of personification that he is brave and courageous in battle and his
King that Sir Walter saw Hotspur
honors tongue” prowess in the field of war and conflict is renowned
capture five Scottish Lords in Battle

As Henry reflects on Hotspur’s Suggests that he envies Lord Northumberland because

Act 1:1 Metaphor and
success on the battlefield he reflects while his son Hotspur displays the Chivalric values of
“While … looking on the praise dramatic
on the disappointment of his own son, Honour on the Battlefield he is ashamed of his own son
of him / See riot and dishonour technique of the
Prince Hal whom he sees as wasting who has little honour as he is acting in a disreputable
stain the brow of my young use of character
his time with the Eastcheap way wasting his time being idol and carousing with
Harry” foil
Taverners drunks, thieves and prostitutes in the Tavern.

While Henry admires Hotspur’s

Act 1:3 bravery and valour on the battlefield, suggests that Henry is not fooled by the excuses of the
the authoritative
“Send me your prisoners with when he is summoned to the Court powerful Percies and their growing opposition to his Rule
tone Henry takes
the speediest means or you Henry demonstrates that he is a as King which demonstrates Henry’s astute, calculating
with Hotspur
shall hear from me” pragmatic and determined leader who habit of mind that infuriates Hotspur and the Percies.
maintains his stature of leader

the pious King Henry emphasizes the magnitude of

Act 3:2 When King Henry summons his son Harry’s dereliction from duty which means his youthful
“God pardon thee! … The hope Harry from Eastcheap to Court the imperative promise is dashed and everyone is predicting his failure
and expectation of thy time is because of impending war with the allusion to religion due to his miscreant behaviour which goes against the
ruined” rebels ideal of sovereignty and consequently is a much graver
offence than ordinary family disobedience.

King Henry tells Hal that his misdeeds

Act 3:2 have resulted in his loss of the suggests that King Henry deliberately forced himself to
“By being seldom seen, I could authority of his position as heir to the the metaphor in stand aloof to ensure that he was seen as a responsible
not stir / But like a comet I was throne and compares by compares the duologue alternative to Richard who was diminishing the dignity of
wondered at” Henry’s own successful style of Kingship by overfamiliarity with people.
leadership as a King

Act 3:2
Henry continues his stern interview
“The skipping King, he ambled
with his son Harry comparing his condemns Harry and Richards’ lack of propriety, respect
up and down… Heard,but not stern tone of his
behaviour with Richard II and and responsibility for their exalted positions and as a
regarded … For thou has lost duologue
suggesting that Harry will also lose his consequence they forfeit the right to have a Crown.
thy princely privilege With vile
status as Royalty
participation”

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Act 3:2
In the bitter confrontation when Henry Imagery of War in thus implying that his son, Hal falls short by comparison
“Thrice hath this Hotspur, Mars
berates his son as a wastrel, he the classical to Hotspur’s prowess and reputation as a fearless,
in swaddling clothes … And
expresses his admiration for Hotspur allusion to Mars, valiant warrior on the battlefield who is now a
shake the peace and safety of
Percy their enemy in, the God of War formidable foe against Henry’s rule.
our throne”

where Henry finally accepts and expresses his faith in

Act 3:2 At the conclusion of the confrontation
his son’s commitment to his role as heir to the throne
“A hundred thousand rebels between Henry and Hal, Henry’s
when he gives him command of the army while
die in this. Thou shalt have response is one of joy and confidence Imperative voice
acknowledging his abhorrence of the situation as once
charge and sovereign trust as this is what he had hoped for
again Englishmen will be fighting Englishmen.
herein.” suggested by the

suggests that the King is uncomfortable with pursuing a

military campaign against his own people he would
5:1
When Henry offer Worcester and rather offer the Rebels an amnesty or peace agreement
“You have deceived our trust,
Vernon a magnanimous olive branch the motif of and forgive them suggesting that instead of being an
And made us doff our easy
of peace and forgiveness before the clothing autocratic leader he is demonstrating humanist
robes of peace / To crush our
Battle of Shrewsbury principles of mercy and compassion to prevent the
old limbs in ungentle steel”
potential suffering of his own people including the
Rebels.
suggests Hal has redeemed his father’s good opinion
and is now a military hero where his bravery on the
5:4:1-5
battlefield is an example of his transformation into the
King: “Thou has redeemed thy When Prince Harry protects the King
the dramatic valiant, chivalric hero proving that he is a well-rounded
lost opinion … In this fair from Douglas but is wounded in the
metaphor leader as he appeals to chivalric humanist, and
rescue thou has brought to process,
machiavellian ideals of honour. Hal and Henry are
me”
complex characters who have positive elements of each
of ideals of leadership.
thus declaring a clear message that forever onwards
5:5:1-5 rebellion will be punished thus showing the dangers of
In the final scene of the play when the
“Thus ever did rebellion find disorder and political insurrection where true honourable
Rebels have been defeated, Henry
rebuke. Ill-spirited Worcester, didactic rhetorical leadership is political centralisation where humanity is
questions the audience including his
did not we send grace, Pardon, question the concern for the whole of society where values of
sons and his captured enemies,
and terms of love to all of benevolence, compromise and good judgment is
Worcester and Vernon with a
you?” victorious rather than egotistical Feudal values which
decentralised rule and destabilised the country.
leaves us with the final impression of Henry’s focus and
5:5:35
capability as a military strategist with his determination
“Then, this remains, that we
where the rhyming to conclude the insurrection in favour of the Crown
divide our power… And since King Henry divides power between his
couplet to confidently representing him as an honourable leader
this business so fair is done, two sons’s armies to finish the battle,
conclude the play who embodies values of Chivalric honour and
Let us not leave till all our own
Machiavellian traits of a calculated and tactical leader
be won.”
for the new age.
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Prince Hal
What is the context of this quote? What language What does the quote and language/dramatic device
Write a quote from the text
Who says it and what is happening in device or dramatic reveal about the character, their situation in the play
that focuses on Prince Hal
the play at this time? technique is used? and/or the events in the text?

Hal’s behaviour at the tavern is

Act 1:2 The duologue between Hal and Falstaff suggests that
irresponsible for anybody, let alone a
“...so far as my coin would Falstaff is in bed in the middle of the day and the
future King. Hal is introduced to the metaphor
stretch and where it would not. allusion to prostitution suggests that the lacivious
audience discussing paying for
I have used my credits” behaviour is a pattern for both characters.
prostitution

Act 1:2 Hal reflects on his behaviour with suggests that Hal is becoming bored with his reckless
“If all the year were playing Falstaff where he hints at his and irresponsible behaviour where living a life only of
metaphor
holidays, to sport would be as awareness of disreputable life in fun by having a frivolous and hedonistic life is becoming
tedious as work” Eastcheap tedious.

When the company leaves, Hal turns suggests that Hal thinks he has a good understanding of
1:2 to the audience and begins by the inclusive his tavern friends, their motives and intentions which
“I know you all” addressing his soliloquy to the tavern address implies that he believes that they do not really know
folk as his audience him.

represents politics as manipulation as Hal believes that

if he disappoints people like this it is like the sun hidden
Hal’s soliloquy sets up the dramatic
1:2:157/8 behind dark clouds and when he changes the brightness
irony that exists for most of the
“Yet herein will I imitate the the paradoxical of this change means he will suddenly shine and be
action: that the audience knows that
sun … by being wanted, he image is the central loved far more than if he had behaved sensibly all along.
it is Hal’s intention to become
may be more wondered at / By metaphor of the The audience can now understand that Hal is a
exactly what his father wants him to
breaking through the foul and soliloquy Machiavellian with his cocky, cunning and manipulative
become but in his own time, yet the
ugly mists” purpose as he is playing on human nature for his own
other characters do not.
gain.

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he will appeal to this aspect of human nature which

1:2:167/168 Hal asserts that by very publicly
soliloquy suggests loves an amazing reformation by providing a surprise
“nothing pleaseth but rare suddenly ceasing his irresponsible
that which will result in him being loved more than if he had
accidents … loose behaviour” behaviour at the just the right time
behaved respectably the whole time.

Use of verse and

Suggests that Hal understands the effects of his truancy
Act 1:2:172-173 Hal’s soliloquy as Heir to the Throne iambic pentameter
and commits to transforming from his current wretched
“like bright metal on a sullen reflecting on and justifying his errant to suggest a return
ways into a dazzling and honourable leader when called
ground, my reformation, behaviour and exposing his true to his Status as heir
upon because he believes that his chivalry will be
glittering over my fault” intentions to the audience. to the throne and
appreciated more because it will be unexpected.
simile

suggests Hal’s conclusion that he intends to exploit the

1:2:176-77 Hal concedes that his behaviour is
tendency of humanity to appreciate a change or
“I’ll so offend, to make offence unsuitable for a future King, but that
the rhyming couplet reformation by behaving badly, then changing to
a skill / Redeeming time when he is engaging in this behaviour for a
everyone’s surprise and great joy and being the most
men think least I will” clear political purpose where
revered and popular Prince.

suggests that although Hal acknowledges his Royal

Act 2:4 status he revels in his ability to communicate with the
“When I am King of England I everyman which he sees as an important attribute for
In Eastcheap Hal is at home amongst
shall command all the good his future leadership role. The audience wonders here
the ordinary, everyday people where colloquial language
lads in Eastcheap … I am so whether Hal grows as a leader by mixing with the
he boasts of the fact that he has in prose
good and proficient I can drink ordinary people who will be his subjects.
learnt the common vernacular, in
with any tinker in his own The counterpointing of scenes between the Court as a
language” cold, humourless place while the Tavern is full of good
cheer and genuine friendship.
While Hal continues to lead a
Act 2:4 disreputable existence ignoring his
which suggests that Hotspur does not seem to either
“he that kill me some six or noble birth and responsibilities while
enjoy his own life or respect other men’s lives as he
seven dozen Scotts before drinking in Eastcheap, he criticises the humorous
considers his single-minded purpose in life is the
breakfast … and says to his Hotspur’s overzealous obsession with hyperbole
nonchalant delight he gets in the excessive killing of his
wife ‘Fie upon this quiet life, I the cry of the battlefield when he
enemies.
want work” parodies his behaviour as antithetical
to his own in,

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When the King sends word that Hal

must join him to defend against the
Act 2:4 rebels, Hal and Falstaff rehearse
“Shall the blessed sun of what Hall will tell his father about his Play-within-play where he accuses Hal of not upholding his position as
heaven prove a micher and eat present activities. The meta- rhetorical question / heir to the throne and is outraged by Hal’s wasting of his
blackberries?” theatrical technique of the play- metaphor / youth and being a public embarrassment by associating
within-a-play shifts the tone where humorous irony with a disreputable or bad company in the tavern.
Falstaff playing the King
acknowledges Henry’s IV’s dismay at
the behaviour of his son in

indeed it is Falstaff who displays the moral

Act 2:4
righteousness where while the tavern folk might be a
“If the tree may be known by Falstaff as King Henry personifies
corrupting influence with their wild and riotous
the fruit, as the fruit by the himself as the moral tutor and feedor anadiplosis (words
behaviour, Falstaff concludes his impersonation with an
tree … there is virtue in that of Hal’s behaviour but his mirror each other)
idealised picture of himself as merely mischievous,
Falstaff” irreverence suggests that
irreverently pointing out in a subtle manner that Henry’s
leadership is framed by his illegally deposing Richard.

Act 2:4 which assassinates every aspect of Falstaff’s character

“Why does thou converse with When Hal insists they switch roles by providing a litany of negative traits which despite the
that trunk of humours, that because Falstaff doesn’t sound like comic overtones for the audience acknowledges
cumulative listing
bolting-hutch of beastliness … the King, he gives a damning Falstaff’s true nature and the ignominious or public
wherein worthy but in nothing” condemnation of Falstaff through disgrace that their relationship has caused both for Hal
and Henry.

When Hal’s father sends for him and

he realises he has reached the suggests Hal puts politics ahead of friendship indicative
the use of the
Act 2:4 moment he needs to step up to his of his awareness of the seriousness of the political
personal pronoun
Falstaff: “Banish plump Jack, responsibilities as Prince and Heir, situation, his decisive mindset to disassociate with
and switch from
and banish all the world’ the audience recognise his moment Falstaff, and his acknowledgement that his current
present tense to
Prince: “I do I will.” of anagnorisis as he finally identifies behaviour places his father in danger and the monarchy
future tense
with his true nature and high status and the unity of the country under threat by the rebels.
position where

When King Henry summons Hal to a the audience understands the paradox that Hal will
private conference and confronts his behave consistently with his true self from now on.
Act 3:2:93
about his irresponsible and errant Suggests that he understands the crucial moment has
“I shall hereafter, my thrice- paradox
Hal acknowledges that the time has come for him to change his behaviour as a miscreant
gracious lord, Be more myself”
come to return to his Royal who is not his true self but and embrace his life of duty
responsibilities in the thus revealing his true, kingly nature to the world.

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where Hotspur’s head stands for his entire body of

3:2:132 Hal says to his father, the King,
chivalric honour suggests that Hal will take it out on
“I shall redeem all this on promising to prove himself in the metonymy
Hotspur and is the King’s greatest political weapon and
Percy’s head” upcoming battle
military weapon if and when he defeats Hotspur Percy.

Act 3:2
which indicates thatHarry finally understands the
“Do not think it so, you shall
When Henry compares Hal with moment has arrived for him to step up and swear his
not find it so; ... the time will
Richard II, who he deposed, and in the impassioned honorable allegiance to Henry’s rule promising to beat
come that I shall make this
himself with Hotspur, Hal’s response tone Hotspur when they meet in battle and further suggesting
Northern youth exchange his
is resolute: that everything that Hotspur has achieved, including the
glorious deeds for my
good opinion of his father, will then transfer to Harry.
indignities”

3:2:134-36
Hal’s language finally convinces his suggests that Harry is speaking the language of Hotspur
“be bold to tell you that I am
father, Henry that he is serious and alliterative imagery to commit himself to an honourable battle with Hotspur
your son / When I will wear a
he is exactly the son that the King of war which will wash away his shame for having behaved in
garment all of blood … in a
has wanted the way he has.
bloody mask”

3:2:152 Harry’s assurances to the King that suggests that the heart is both metaphorical and literal
“I will tear the reckoning from in battle he will gain back respect violent imagery as he will take back the centre of life and the spirit of
his heart” and be victorious where the man from Hotspur and transfer it the the Monarchy.

suggests that war is imminent and Hal’s behaviour

Act 3:3 demonstrates he has moved on from his time in the
When Harry returns to Eastcheap
“enter the PRINCE marching the dramatic tavern with Falstaff and has stepped up to his position
after his confrontation with is father,
(with Peto), and Falstaff meets direction in the text as heir to the throne and commander of the Army
King Henry
him” determined to fulfill his potential as a man befitting of
his position.

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suggests Hal has redeemed his father’s good opinion

and is now a military hero where his bravery on the
5:4:1-5
battlefield is an example of his transformation into the
King: “Thou has redeemed thy When Prince Harry protects the King
the dramatic valiant, chivalric hero proving that he is a well-rounded
lost opinion … In this fair from Douglas but is wounded in the
metaphor leader as he appeals to chivalric humanist, and
rescue thou has brought to process,
machiavellian ideals of honour. Hal and Henry are
me”
complex characters who have positive elements of each
of ideals of leadership.

suggests that the symbolic power of the stars represent

5:4:60
Hal and Hotspur who are vying for leadership positions
“I am the Prince of Wales, and motif of celestial
in the Realm. Here the stars function as an affirmation of
think not Percy to share with When Hal and Hotspur finally meet in imagery and
the power of Prince Harry who can no longer tolerate
me in glory anymore … Two face-to-face combat the elevated language
rivalry so he must slay his antithetical double and step
stars keep not their motion in of verse
out of his shadow and proclaim the personal triumph of
one sphere”
his reformation.

suggests that Harry is a dignified and magnanimous

leader who demonstrates great respect for Hotspur’s
5:4:97
When Hal kills Hotspur and stays the Christian chivalric honour as the audience here would admire
“Adieu, and take thy praise
with him as he is dying, allusion Hal’s nobility as he becomes the true knight of honour -
with thee to heaven”
so in Hotspur’s death, Hal becomes what Hotspur
aspires to be.

5:4:104
signals Hal’s recognition and reiterates his self
“He spieth Falstaff on the After Hal has killed Hotspur, he then Dramatic direction
awareness of his past folly and tendency to frivolity in
ground …” and Hal responds sees Falstaff lying on the ground and Hal’s response
favour of his role as valiant which finally represents his
with “I should have a heavy nearby who unbeknownst to Hal is in a rhyming
future leadership values as Prince and Heir to the
miss of thee / If I were much in feigning death where the couplet
Throne for the audience.
love with vanity”

suggests Hal’s respect for Douglas’ valour at the bravery

he shows by remaining on the Battlefield when his men
flee demonstrates that Hal’s graciousness, respect and
5:5:30 In the last scene Hal completes his
appreciation for honourable behaviour, even of his
“Hi valours shown upon our transformation by forgiving his
enemies, indicates that Hal embodies the noble, high
crests today / Have taught us enemy Douglas, the Leader of the the dramatic
moral virtues of his father, King Henry: forgiveness,
how to cherish such high Scotts, who is brought before Henry metaphor
compassion, ethical, decency, charitable, upstanding,
deeds, Even in the bosom of and Hal at the conclusion of the play
and reputable which signals a new era of thinking and
our adversaries” and battle,
values associated with leadership demonstrating the
transition from outdated Feudal thinking to the
Humanism of the Renaissance period.

Sir John Falstaff

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Write a quote from the text What is the context of this quote? What language What does the quote and language/dramatic device
that focuses on Sir John Who says it and what is happening in device or dramatic reveal about the character, their situation in the play
Falstaff the play at this time? technique is used? and/or the events in the text?
Act 1:2
“The fortune of us that are the Suggests the misrule of Falstaff as a character in that
moon’s men doth ebb and flow Simile
While our first impression of Hal is via while Falstaff is laughing about the fortune of thieves his
like the sea being governed as Dramatic
Henry, the counterpoint scene begins humour alludes to mutability of the political situation of
the sea is by the moon” Technique of
with Hal and Falstaff on stage as he is Henry IV and the cloud over his legitimacy as monarch.
Counterpointing
telling Hal of his plan to rob travellers
(juxtaposing
in Gadshill where the ribald humour is
setting and
delivered through quick witted
Falstaff questions Hal: “Do not characters for
repartee in prose still refers to the
thou when thou art king hang a dramatic effect)
political situation of the Country and Indicates that even though Falstaff breaks the law like a
thief?” Hal’s primogeniture or the fact that common thief he expects special treatment from Prince
Rhetorical
Hal is the heir to the throne Hal when he becomes King suggesting that his
question
friendship with Hal is for his own gain.

Act 1:2 In the repartee between Hal and suggests that Falstaff is aware of the disreputable life he
“I must give over this life and if Falstaff he ironically declares he will irony is living and he is encouraging the Hal to live as Heir to
I do not I am a villain” change his ways. the Throne

While this humorous scene of the suggests the question of moral conduct of taking what
Act 2 Scene II night-time robbery at Gadshill depicts doesn’t belong to you which could be seen as a
“A plague upon it when thieves Falstaff breathless from his obesity, humorous parallel between events at the upper and
irony
cannot be true one to another” age and drunkenness struggling to lower levels of society where Henry usurped the crown
play his part in the thievery and then from Richard II and the Rebels are trying to usurp the
being robbed by Hal and Poins crown from him.

indeed it is Falstaff who displays the moral

Act 2:4 (also in Hal)
righteousness where while the tavern folk might be a
“If the tree may be known by Falstaff as King Henry personifies
corrupting influence with their wild and riotous
the fruit, as the fruit by the himself as the moral tutor and feedor anadiplosis (words
behaviour, Falstaff concludes his impersonation with an
tree … there is virtue in that of Hal’s behaviour but his irreverence mirror each other)
idealised picture of himself as merely mischievous,
Falstaff” suggests that
irreverently pointing out in a subtle manner that Henry’s
leadership is framed by his illegally deposing Richard.

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Act 2:4 (also in Hal) which assassinates every aspect of Falstaff’s character
“Why does thou converse with When Hal insists they switch roles by providing a litany of negative traits which despite the
that trunk of humours, that because Falstaff doesn’t sound like comic overtones for the audience acknowledges
cumulative listing
bolting-hutch of beastliness … the King, he gives a damning Falstaff’s true nature and the ignominious or public
wherein worthy but in nothing” condemnation of Falstaff through disgrace that their relationship has caused both for Hal
and Henry.

When Hal’s father sends for him and

he realises he has reached the is blunt and unambiguous as it suggests Hal intends to
moment he needs to step up to his take on the role of the true Prince which doesn’t include
Act 2:4:297-298 the alliteration and
responsibilities as Prince and Heir, Falstaff so he is putting politics over friendship and
(also in Hal) use of the switch
despite Falstaff’s impassioned emotion. This indicates Hal’s awareness of the
Falstaff: “Banish plump Jack, from present
defence of himself, the audience seriousness of the political situation and his
and banish all the world’ tense to future
recognise his moment of Hal’s acknowledgement that his current behaviour places his
Prince: “I do I will.” tense
anagnorisis as he finally identifies with father and the monarchy in danger as well the unity of
his true nature and high status the country is under threat by the rebels.
position where
suggesting in opposition to the chivalric idea of honour
that when men die in war they are just cannon fodder
When challenged about the and in death are the equals of any men or soldiers who
worthiness of his recruited army, are supposedly their superiors.
4:2:55
Falstaff’s powerful response is a blunt tone
“they can fill a pit as well as
comment on the way that ordinary Thousands of deaths are caused by the political
better”
people’s lives are impacted by repetition machinations of the noble class, who should do what is
or “mortal men, mortal men”
political acts of war over which they best for all men and the whole country. Here, Falstaff
have no control. suggests his poor soldiers are just as good as any other
soldiers at dying as there is no honour and all men are
equal in death.

5:1:130
Falstaff delivers a soliloquy on honour, where, like Hotspur, Falstaff personifies honour by
“Can honour set a leg? No /
which he rejects, preferring life as hypophora asking a series of questions about honour, where honour
Honour has no skills in surgery
suggested by the fails every one of them.
then”

is used to expose Falstaff’s pragmatic view of honour

and contrast it with that of Hotspur. Having established
Falstaff presents the cold, hard truth
5:1:134 that honour cannot fix anything in the physical world he
set against Hostpur’s romantic images
“”Who hath it? He that died on soliloquy raises the question of whether honour is worth dying for.
of idealised honour as they go into
Wednesday?” Falstaff does not think so. This speech is a logical
battle
reasoned argument against the quest for attaining
chivalric honour by being prepared to happily die in
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battle as it is an ironic comment on a set of values that

Shakespeare’s audience still half believed in.
(Falstaff has the last word on this in the play as he
carries Hotspur’s dead ‘honourable’ body around on his
back in triumph.)

During the Battle of Shrewsbury, Hal demonstrates Hal’s disgust rather than amusement at
5:3:50-55
encounters Falstaff standing over the Falstaff’s cowardly and dishonourable behaviour by
Prince: “What, is it a time to
body of noble Blunt who has died throwing the bottle at Falstaff which reinforces Hal’s
jest and dally now?
protecting the King. Falstaff’s 150 dramatic direction transformation into a valiant and noble leader who has
HE THROWS THE BOTTLE AT
men have died and he reacts by lost any affection and all respect for his former friend,
HIM”
reaching for a bottle of Sack (wine) Falstaff. .
where his weapon should, the

suggests Falstff is not willing to sacrifice himself for

anyone in order to protect his own life even though his
5:30: 55
(following on from the scene above) men have died which demonstrates his shortcomings as
“I like not such grinning honour
Falstaff’s reaction to Hal throwing his personification a glutton, a liar and a coward who has no loyalty to his
as Sir Walter hath. Give me
bottle of sack at him, the fellow men which subverts the traditional idea of honour
life.”
because he prefers to be a live coward than a dead
hero.

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Hotspur
What is the context of this quote? What language What does the quote and language/dramatic device
Write a quote from the text
Who says it and what is happening in device or dramatic reveal about the character, their situation in the play
that focuses on Hotspur
the play at this time? technique is used? and/or the events in the text?
Encourages audiences to view Hotspur’s courage and
Act 1:3
energy in battle as honourable in contrast to the view
The first time Hotspur appears on that a man of Court who has not fought has less honour
“I was dry with rage and
stage when he is summoned by Henry than a rough man who has.
extreme toil / Breathless and Tricolon (three
for not giving up the Scottish nobles,
faint, learning upon my sword” parallel clauses)
he uses the presence of a Court Suggests Hotspur’s attributes as a warrior and his
messenger who is repulsed by the experience of death on the battlefield leaves him with
battlefield as an excuse for ignoring disgust and little tolerance in the presence of an
“I then all smarting with my
Henry’s command and this positions aggravating, feminine, and untrustworthy messenger
wounds being cold, to be so The plosive
audiences to view Hotspur’s relative who doesn't recognise the valour and bravery of
pestered with a popinjay” alliteration
modesty as honourable when Hotspur’s Chivalric Honour.
compared to the conceited
messenger. Suggests that Hotspur believes that the Courtier is too
“He was perfumed like a Simile
sweet to be taken seriously because a man who does
milliner”
not fight is not honourable.
Metaphor and
Act 1:3 helps the audience understand Hotspur’s irrational,
Dramatic
“And if the devil comes and impetuous, quixotic nature and his inability to maintain
When Hotspur is openly defiant with technique of
roar for them I will not send his temper even in situations of which necessitate
his father and Uncle after being conflict and
them …” where his father diplomacy, discretion and desirable leadership if he is to
dismissed by the King while they are tension escalated
Northumerland responds to his succeed as an alternative model of leader. For the
still in Henry’s castle, Northumberland by characters
own son: Elizabethans watching Hotspur’s explosive behaviour on
reminds him of his outrageous open aggressive
“What, drunk with choler” Stage would find him wanting as a Humanist or
defiance and lack of behaviour on
Machiavellian leader without prudent political
stage suggested in
judgement.
dialogue

In order to justify the discord and animosity towards

Act 1:3 Henry IV by the Percies, Hotspur reframes Richard II as
juxtaposition and
“sweet lovely Rose” describing the traditional and rightful leader while he frames Henry,
When Hotspur justifies the Percie’s symbolism of Rose
Richard II in juxtaposition with whom they helped gain power, as the illegitimate leader
rebellion against Henry as the English
“thorn...canker Bolinbrook” who has injected England with riot and disorder. This is
Emblem
describing Henry IV because Henry did not acquiesce to their control by
dividing up the spoils of England for their benefit.

Act 1:3:199-206 suggests Hotspur considers honour a physical object

The traditional symbol of a King is the
“By heaven, methinks it were rather than a set of principles and it can be easily taken
Sun and when Hotspur leaves Henry’s
an easy leap / To pluck bright personification from Henry thus conveying Hotspur’s quest to rescue
Court he announces his treasonous
honour from the pale-faced honour from Henry and possess it solely for himself.
intention
moon” Hotspur believes he exemplifies honour in everything
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but he will not share it. He also suggests Henry is an

easy target as an imitation pretending to be a Monarch.

1:3:296
“O let the horse be short / Till when Hotspure is spoiling to Rebel suggests that Hotspur is a psychopath in that his entire
polysyndeton
fields, and blows and groans against Henry the extreme focus is on killing and death on the Battle field.
applaud our sport!”

Act II:3 Counterpoint of Setting from Falstaff’s

“I say unto you again, you are bungled robbery to a scene in reveals Hotspur’s tempestuous personality where he
a shallow cowardly hind, and Hotspur’s Castle where he is reading a ignores advice and his impassioned outburst suggests
you lie” letter warning of caution aloud from a his disgust and contempt for anyone who would back
the metaphor
OR Lord whose support he has sought in down pragmatically from a dangerous fight which
“Out of this nettle, danger, we the rebellion against Henry. Hotspur threatens many lives, due to his obsession with chivalric
pluck this flower safety” ignores the advice from the Lord and honour
instead

where he impatiently admits that he has forgotten the

map to divide up the Country suggests Hotspur is an
The rebels meet in Wales and, the use of a
uncomfortable ally and ineffective potential leader who
Act III:1 anticipating victory, proceed to symbolic prop and
is unpredictable, disorganised and overreacts
“A plague upon it! I have discuss how they are going to divide Hostpur’s
inappropriately to the slightest provocation. This scene
forgot the map” the Kingdom among themselves after hyperbolic
would have appalled the Elizabethan audience as the
they win the civil war where the colloquialism
potential of civil war would have been terrifying utmost
on their minds with their aging, heirless Queen.

where his Uncle Worcester warns his nephew against an

Act 3:1 antagonistic attitude towards Glendower suggests
Hotspur is rude and antagonistic
Hotspur: “I think there’s no Hotspur does not heed Worcester’s advice but continues
towards Glendower who is the political
man speaks better Welsh. I’ll duologue between to ridicule Glendower. This demonstrates Hotspur’s lack
leader of the Welsh, an important ally
to dinner” Mortimer” Peace, the rebels of political acumen and potential as a leader with his
in the rebellion who maintains a
cousin Percy, you will make scorn of diplomacy, his lack of strategic thinking and his
respectful demeanor. The
him mad.” insistence on wasting precious time provoking a
senseless argument with a fellow rebel leader.

Act 3:1 Division of the land does not go suggesting that while sometimes Hotspur shows
“Though sometimes it shows smoothly as Hotspur wants more land elements of chivalric honour such as courage and
greatness, courage, blood… which represents a selfish nobility to bravery on the battlefield, he is mostly contemptible of
oftentimes it doth present an Elizabethan audience dangerously Humanist characteristics such as reason, egalitarianism
cumulative listing
harsh rage, Defect of manners, carving up England. After ridiculing and empathy for the viewpoints of others, as well as
want of government, Pride, Glendower and arguing over the Machiavellian virtues of being shrewd, astute and
haughtiness, opinion and division of the land, Worcester’s pragmatic. Therefore his own Uncle declares that
disdain… Loseth men’s hearts” considered, perceptive opinion sums Hotspur does not have the qualities of a desirable or
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effective leader who can gain and maintain power and

up his nephews lack of leadership suggests to the audience that while Henry’s legitimacy
skills in, is problematic, the rebels do not represent a viable
alternative.

4:1:120
suggests that Hotspur is well aware of the vital
“Harry to Harry shall, hot horse When Vernan reports Hotspur of
alliterative importance of his public antagonism and political rivalry
to horse / Prince Harry’s admirable attributes
rhyming couplet as the defeating his dramatic foil Prince Harry will decide
Meet and ne’re part till one when preparing for war,
the fate of England depending on its resolution.
drop down a corpse”

When Hotspur decides to go into

represents Hotspur’s romantic notions of honour where
battle with Henry’s forces even
he is overly-obsessed with honour, at times sounding as
Act 4:2:135 though most of his allies are unable to
paradox though he wants to die. This juxtaposes in the play with
“Die all, die merrily” support or exhausted from travelling
Falstaff who scorns this representation of honour as a
including Douglas, Northumberland
coward and opportunist.
and Worcesters’ forces the

suggests that Worcester relies instead on Hotspur’s

dispositional and intellectual failures in his irrational
5:2:18
Worcester manipulates his Rebel quest for war. Worcester’s unscrupulous and duplicitous
“A hair-brained Hotspur,
leaders to suit his own purpose, by where the behaviour manipulates the situation in order to protect
governed by a spleen … We
keeping the King’s offer of peace and dramatic irony his own life rather than rely on King Henry’s word which
did train him on … We as the
forgiveness a secret from Hotspur could save the lives of countless soldiers. Worcester
spring of all shall pay for all”
doesn’t believe the word of the King so it is another
example of his disrespect and treasonous behaviour.

5:4: 70-80ish
suggests Hotspur’s pain, horror and disbelief where his
“O Harry, thou hast robbed me
olfactory imagery dying words indicate that he regrets the loss of his
of my youth! I better brook the When Hal mortally wounds Hotspur in
using alliteration honour and land titles more than the loss of his life as he
loss of brittle life than those hand-to-hand combat, the
and assonance regards life itself as fleeting whereas honour will live on
proud titles thou has won of
long after his death.
me”

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expressing the soldier’s creed then juxtaposes this with

When Hal leaves the field after seeing
5:4:117 his own shameless and cynical view to suggest the
Falstaff apparently dead on the battle-
“”The better part of valour is repetition and subversion of the positive values and virtues of Chivalric
ground, Falstaff immediately wakes
discretion, in the which better irony honour and bravery are subverted by his own instinct is
up and announces to the audience
part I have saved my life.” self-preservation, disregard for propriety where he is
with
without concern for others.

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Lady Percy
What is the context of this quote? What language What does the quote and language/dramatic device
Write a quote from the text
Who says it and what is happening in device or dramatic reveal about the character, their situation in the play
that focuses on Lady Percy
the play at this time? technique is used? and/or the events in the text?

Act II:3 Lady Kate Percy is angry that Hotspur

where Hotspur’s preoccupation with war is implied in the
“I have head thee murmur is withdrawing from her and suspects
cumulative listing catalogue of terms which Kate claims she has heard him
tales of iron that Hotspur is involved in a rebellion
of images of war recite in his sleep suggesting both his mind and body
wars...trenches...cannon… with her brother Mortimer against
are obsessed with warfare.
soldiers slain?” Henry

When Lady Percy challenges her shows another aspect of the Code of Chivalry where
Act II:3 husband Hotspur with her suspicion of Hotspur is concerned with his romantic image as a
“Come, will thou see me ride? his involvement in a rebellion against Knight in Shining Armour as he asks his wife to watch
hypophora
When I am on horseback I will Henry with her brother, Mortimer who him heading off to war on his noble steed rather than
swear I love thee infinitely” was named heir to the throne by engage with her as an equal, as Mortimer’s sister, and
Richard II, the as a person worthy of his trust.

II:3:97-99
dismisses Kate and her curiosity and is outraged that
“I must not have you Hotspur is not romantic, respectful or
she would expect to know of his plans or have even
henceforth question me / personable towards her here where he tautology
worked out the whole situation even though in fact she
Whither I go … Whiter I must I picks her up on her language in,
has intuited the entire situation.
must”

II:3 suggests a strong, outspoken and forthright woman who

When Hotspur takes off for battle, dramatic direction
Out, you mad-headed ape! … is astute and not afraid to challenge her husband
Lady Percy he ignores everything she implied in the
In faith, I’ll break thy little challenging the Courtly love representation of women as
says even though her own brother dialogue
finger, Harry” mute, demure and submissive to her husband during.

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Owen Glendower
Write a quote from the text What is the context of this quote? What language What does the quote and language/dramatic device
that focuses on Owen Who says it and what is happening in device or dramatic reveal about the character, their situation in the play
Glendower the play at this time? technique is used? and/or the events in the text?
where he impatiently admits that he has forgotten the
map to divide up the Country suggests Hotspur is an
The rebels meet in Wales and, the use of a
(also in Hotspur) uncomfortable ally and ineffective potential leader who
anticipating victory, proceed to symbolic prop and
Act III:1 is unpredictable, disorganised and overreacts
discuss how they are going to divide Hostpur’s
“A plague upon it! I have inappropriately to the slightest provocation. This scene
the Kingdom among themselves after hyperbolic
forgot the map” would have appalled the Elizabethan audience as the
they win the civil war where the colloquialism
potential of civil war would have been terrifying utmost
on their minds with their aging, heirless Queen.

where his Uncle Worcester warns his nephew against an

(also in Hotspur)
antagonistic attitude towards Glendower suggests
Act 3:1 Hotspur is rude and antagonistic
Hotspur does not heed Worcester’s advice but continues
Hotspur: “I think there’s no towards Glendower who is the political
duologue between to ridicule Glendower. This demonstrates Hotspur’s lack
man speaks better Welsh. I’ll leader of the Welsh, an important ally
the rebels of political acumen and potential as a leader with his
to dinner” Mortimer: ”Peace, in the rebellion who maintains a
scorn of diplomacy, his lack of strategic thinking and his
cousin Percy, you will make respectful demeanor. The
insistence on wasting precious time provoking a
him mad.”
senseless argument with a fellow rebel leader.
suggesting that while sometimes Hotspur shows
elements uggesting that while sometimes Hotspur
Division of the land does not go
(also in Hotspur) shows elements of chivalric honour such as courage and
smoothly as Hotspur wants more land
Act 3:1 bravery on the battlefield, he is mostly contemptible of
which represents a selfish nobility to
“Though sometimes id show Humanist characteristics such as reason, egalitarianism
an Elizabethan audience dangerously
greatness, courage, blood… and empathy for the viewpoints of others, as well as
carving up England. After ridiculing
oftentimes it doth present cumulative listing Machiavellian virtues of being shrewd, astute and
Glendower and arguing over the
harsh rage, Defect of manners, pragmatic. Therefore his own Uncle declares that
division of the land, Worcester’s
want of government, Pride, Hotspur does not have the qualities of a desirable or
considered, perceptive opinion sums
haughtiness, opinion and effective leader who can gain and maintain power and
up his nephews lack of leadership
disdain… Loseth men’s hearts” suggests to the audience that while Henry’s legitimacy
skills in,
is problematic, the rebels do not represent a viable
alternative.

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Earl of Northumberland
Write a quote from the text What is the context of this quote? What language What does the quote and language/dramatic device
that focuses on the Earl of Who says it and what is happening in device or dramatic reveal about the character, their situation in the play
Northumberland the play at this time? technique is used? and/or the events in the text?

where Northumberland recognises and accuses his son

Act 1:3
When Hotspur will not listen to the of displaying no balance of action and contemplation
“Why, what a wasp stung and
reasoning of his father and Uncle which were virtues of Humanism and not having the
impatient fool art thou to break
Worcester in Henry IV’s castle after metaphor shrewd and astute craft of a Machiavellian leader as he
into this woman’s mood, tying
their meeting he is chastised by his is too explosive and doesn’ t have the artful cunning or
thine ear to no tongue but
own father and Uncle in the shrewd attributes but instead his ruled by his unbridled
thine own”
emotions.

Earl of Worcester
Write a quote from the text What is the context of this quote? What language What does the quote and language/dramatic device
that focuses on the Earl of Who says it and what is happening in device or dramatic reveal about the character, their situation in the play
Worcester the play at this time? technique is used? and/or the events in the text?

When Worcester, Hotspur and

reinforces Henry’s status as King and his political
Northumberland, are summoned to
Act 1:3 intelligence and awareness from Worcester’s recalcitrant
Court, Worcester’s antagonistic
“Worcester, get thee gone … manner that his purpose with the Percies is to
relationship with Henry and the metaphor
for I do see danger and undermine the King through planning an insurgency by
treasonous purpose in England is
disobedience in thine eyes” keeping the prisoners to strategically become more
immediately evident in Henry’s
powerful.
response to him

where his Uncle Worcester warns his nephew against an

(also in Hotspur / Glendower)
antagonistic attitude towards Glendower suggests
Act 3:1 Hotspur is rude and antagonistic
Hotspur does not heed Worcester’s advice but continues
Hotspur: “I think there’s no towards Glendower who is the political
duologue between to ridicule Glendower. This demonstrates Hotspur’s lack
man speaks better Welsh. I’ll leader of the Welsh, an important ally
the rebels of political acumen and potential as a leader with his
to dinner” Mortimer: ”Peace, in the rebellion who maintains a
scorn of diplomacy, his lack of strategic thinking and his
cousin Percy, you will make respectful demeanor. The
insistence on wasting precious time provoking a
him mad.”
senseless argument with a fellow rebel leader.

(also in Hotspur / Glendower) Division of the land does not go suggesting that while sometimes Hotspur shows
Act 3:1 smoothly as Hotspur wants more land elements of chivalric honour such as courage and
“Though sometimes id show which represents a selfish nobility to cumulative listing bravery on the battlefield, he is mostly contemptible of
greatness, courage, blood… an Elizabethan audience dangerously Humanist characteristics such as reason, egalitarianism
oftentimes it doth present carving up England. After ridiculing and empathy for the viewpoints of others, as well as
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Machiavellian virtues of being shrewd, astute and

Glendower and arguing over the pragmatic. Therefore his own Uncle declares that
harsh rage, Defect of manners,
division of the land, Worcester’s Hotspur does not have the qualities of a desirable or
want of government, Pride,
considered, perceptive opinion sums effective leader who can gain and maintain power and
haughtiness, opinion and
up his nephews lack of leadership suggests to the audience that while Henry’s legitimacy
disdain… Loseth men’s hearts”
skills in, is problematic, the rebels do not represent a viable
alternative.

World of play characterised

Write a quote from the text What is the context of this quote? What language What does the quote and language/dramatic device
that focuses on the world of Who says it and what is happening in device or dramatic reveal about the character, their situation in the play
the play the play at this time? technique is used? and/or the events in the text?
the language
this scene set in a working class Inn full of vermin
changes from
depicts people from the lowest rung of English society in
verse to ordinary
In Act 2, scene 1 we are introduced to a unique Shakespearean play which depicts the whole
colloquial prose to
the carriers in an inn yard in microcosm of English society from the stables to the
reflect the status
Act 2:1 Rochester, the lowest rung of society, Court to the battlefields where the widespread impact of
of the characters
“Poor fellow never joyed since discussing the social and economic the instability and turbulence of the higher order of
dramatically
the price of oats rose, it was conditions at the time affecting the society filters down to the core of the country. This is
counterpointed
the death of him” impoverished commoners in England, suggested by the Carriers’ friend in this scene who
from privileged
for example for the ostlers and the starved to death due to fluctuations in the economy
nobility to the
carriers in an inn yard in Rochester reminding the audience of how the actions of the
desperate
privileged, such as rebellion and war, ultimately affect
impoverished
the poor in England.
ordinary people

Important Context:

● The play was written in 1597 during the last years of the reign of Elizabeth I, who died without an heir in
1603.
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● Shakespeare’s plays had at their centres contextual political and social concerns and the issue of leadership
and succession was very topical at the time of the play’s writing.
● Shakespeare was writing about current issues by telling his national history two hundred years before the
1403 Battle of Shrewsbury to tell a political story of King Henry IV’s reign when his career was tilting towards
crisis.
● Attention has been paid not only to larger patterns of action based on the event of the Battle of Shrewsbury
but to values, ideologies and institutions where history emerges from the political situation rather than the
other way around.
● The context of the play in terms of politics is that Elizabeth I was a monarch of the House of Tudor - her
father was Henry VIII - whereas Henry IV and V were from the House of Lancaster so anything critical
Shakespeare might write about them did not reflect on Elizabeth or her family.
● Shakespeare’s history plays endorsed ‘the Tudor myth’ that Elizabeth’s rule meant that all events evolved
under a law of justice and under God’s providence and that’s why Elizabeth’s England was acknowledged as
the peaceful and profitable outcome.
● The English monarchy was legitimated by heredity: Shakespeare shows not only alternative political
systems, republics and elective monarchies, but lays out, in all their complexity and tenuousness, the
devious paths by which the crown descended to Elizabeth.
● The action presented in Henry IV:I is a demonstration of political paradigms and not necessarily an accurate
account of the deeds of the historical players. Shakespeare was concerned not just with personalities but
with institutions, with Court politics. He was questioned whether nobility derived from birth or behaviour and
addressed difficulties of governance in a society where national armies were put together out of what were
essentially private militias. He examined roles for women in political life and lays out the relationship
between honour, valour and policy. He analysed the nature, origins and uses of power.
● As well as reading Hall and Holinshed (historians at the time) Shakespeare had absorbed the influence of the
Italian philosophers of the Renaissance, epitomised by the writings of Machiavelli at the beginning of the
16th century. Machiavelli writes of history as having to do with action and not mere knowledge.
● The purpose of the play is to examine issues of leadership, politics, power, honour, duty, civil order, Unity of
Country and patriotism and to engage English audiences in issues that are at once contemporary and
historical by representing that history is made by the decisions and actions of men and women taken at
particular times in particular circumstances.
● The purpose of the play is also to entertain, especially through the character of Falstaff. But Falstaff and his
crew also demonstrate that while Kings might propose it is clowns who dispose where the common man
could stand for expediency and self-interest, revelry and lasciviousness. In Falstaff there is much wit in this
role and plenty of room for the actor playing Falstaff to play to the audience and improvise. Shakespeare
wrote Henry IV:2 in order to satisfy both Elizabeth and the audience’s demand for more Falstaff.
● Shakespeare’s audience came from all walks of life as the theatre was the most popular artform of the day.

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As we examine the play you need to visualise the production to consider the Dramatic Form, for example, consider
characterisation, the dialogue, the props, the setting, the soliloquies, use of the aside, juxtaposition,
counterpointing, dramatic irony etc.

What Shakespeare can tell us about leadership:

● Important to remember that Shakespeare never passes judgement in his plays, insteads he ASKS
QUESTIONS
● The prism of Shakespeare’s world is the end of the 16th century and the beginning of the 17th century
● Shakespeare wrote Henry IV:I in 1597 for an Elizabethan audience comprising a huge cross-section of society
from the Court to the lowly commoner
● The play was about civil war as a threat to the throne, the Monarchy and the whole Kingdom of England.
● The play goes to great length to convey subtly what makes a great king. What are the attributes?
○ Despite initially presenting him as the wayward Prince, the play ultimately glorifies Hal who became
the beloved and highly successful Henry V
● Leaders must be effective in a time of disruption
○ In Elizabethan times the authority of leaders was under challenge, couldn’t be autocratic but had to be
effective because 16th century Elizabethan population were ready for change, they were ready for
more freedom and less authoritarianism
○ not all Rulers wanted this therefore playwrights work invited censorship which put his acting company
and own welfare at continual risk (fellow playwright Christopher Marlowe me a violent end for his
political views)
○ to protect himself and his team, Shakespeare explored issues by placing them into a different period of
history or satirising them through comedy
● Queen Elizabeth ruled for 45 years and her rule was characterised by glory, prosperity, exploration, trade
which brought great wealth and created the birth of the middle class, and relatively peaceful except for the
Northern Rebellion which was religious as it was protestants VS catholics. Queen Elizabeth was therefore
regarded as a great queen as it was a time of prosperity and relative peace for the country of England and
the audience would have been feeling nervous about who would take over King or Queen when their aging
Monarch died without an heir. Elizabeth was getting very old and had no successor!
■ During Queen Elizabeth’s rule, the Catholic uprisings in 1569, also called the Northern Rebellion,
was an unsuccessful attempt by Catholic nobles from Northern England to depose Queen
Elizabeth I of England and replace her with Mary, Queen of Scotts. England did not want this
threat happening again; they did not want civil war!
● Interesting to note that Elizabeth I committed regicide herself when her Catholic cousin,
Mary Queen of Scotts was killed in England after being imprisoned for 19 years from 1569 -
1587. This can be paralleled with the idea of the contrite Henry atoning for his sins for
usurping Richard II so perhaps Shakespeare is suggesting that if a King or Queen is a
threat to the stability of the country of England, then regicide could be forgiven as long as
the usurper is contrite.
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○ Shakespeare illustrates leadership qualities and deficiencies through drama, characterisation and their
actions in times of important historical events where the characters dialogue contrasted their
leadership styles:
■ leaders needed to embrace and accommodate new ideas and leadership styles for progress in
England popular, demonstrate tenacity and intelligence they were a good leader
○ Shakespeare offered a paradigm of leadership traits that served as a touchstone for effective
leadership:
■ a leader needed to be imaginative, eloquent, and politically effective
○ Henry IV was to a degree autocratic, pious and had a serious demeanor to atone for his sin of removing
his cousin Richard II from the throne, but he also showed humanist qualities such as grace, piety,
forgiveness, magnanimity and an enormous regards for his subjects, and machiavellian planning and
shrewdness to ensure the unity of his country and the quest to maintain peace in his realm.
○ Shakespeare’s audience knew that Prince Harry or Hal became the renowned King Henry V who was
regarded in history as ‘the people’s king’. Prince Harry learns the mistakes his father makes from his
rule and has no guilt about his father’s usurpation of the throne, and he learns to become a
collaborative, inspiring, and innovative leader.
○ Jack Falstaff is a self-invented leader amongst the criminals of the tavern and his pathetic band of
soldiers; he is deceitful, dishonest, king of misrule, subversive leader of the common folk.
○ Hotspur leads the rebellion against the Monarchy. He possesses Chivalric honour, valour and bravery
but lacks the political tact, courtesy and eloquence of speech, but has a quixotic view of honour which
is his downfall
○ Ultimately Prince Harry or Hal is heir to the throne, poised to become the most powerful man in
England. He was known to be a progressive leader who consulted widely and created management
structures that allowed new ideas to flourish.
■ Shakespeare’s question to the audience - what sort of leader would you want to succeed
Elizabeth?

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