Shakespeare A to Z | Henry IV, Part 1
Considered by many critics to be Shakespeare’s most accomplished history play, Henry IV, Part 1 presents a cross section of English society, from kings and earls to barroom cronies. Although the play is named for the historical king who ruled England from 1399 to 1413, the story is really about Henry’s eldest son, Prince Hal, and the qualities of a good leader. Throughout the play Hal is confronted by the conflicting values and models of behavior he sees in King Henry (his politically shrewd father), Hotspur (the hot-tempered rebel who opposes the crown), and Sir John FALSTAFF...
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