Henry IVSimon and Schuster, 1999 - 338 pages The stirring continuation of the themes begun in Henry IV, Part One again pits a rebellion within the State and that master of misrule, Falstaff, against the maturing of Prince Hal. Alternating scenes between bawdy tavern and regal court, between revelry and politics, Shakespeare probes at the sources, uses, and responsibilities of power as an old king dies and a young king must choose between a ruler's solemn duty and a merry but dissipated friend, Falstaff. The play represents Shakespeare at the peak of his maturity in writing historical drama and comedy. |
Contents
Editors Preface | ix |
Shakespeares Life | xxix |
Shakespeares Theater | xlii |
The Publication of Shakespeares Plays | lii |
Henry IV Part 2 | 34 |
Longer Notes | 247 |
Textual Notes | 255 |
Textual Problems in Henry IV Part 2 | 287 |
Sir John Falstaff | 295 |
A Modern Perspective | 303 |
Further Reading | 321 |
Key to Famous Lines and Phrases | 337 |
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Common terms and phrases
action actors appear ARCHBISHOP Bardolph bear become better blood called cause CHIEF JUSTICE comes court Davy dead death Doll doth drink early edition editors English Enter example exit faith FALSTAFF father fear Folio follow friends give Grace hand Harry HASTINGS hath head hear heart heaven Henry Henry IV HOSTESS John King LANCASTER language light live London look Lord Master means MOWBRAY never night noble Northumberland officers Oldcastle peace performance perhaps Pistol plays POINS pray present Press Prince printed quartos reference Richard royal scene Shakespeare's SHALLOW sick Silence Sir John speak speech spirit stage stand tell theater thee thing Thomas thou thought true uncorr WARWICK Westmoreland young