English 9

Messers Tillman, Benjamin, Burdett  & Tucker

SHAKESPEARE'S Henry IV, Pt.1

Act 1 Study Questions

English 9 \ Q's Index\ Text Index \Henry IV Page

 

Directions: Respond to the following questions in clear and stylistically correct prose. Include line numbers and avoid unreferenced pronouns. Make sure to provide enough specific detail so that you will understand your answers when you begin preparing for the test on this work and for the final examination in June.

 

1)         How do we learn the approximate date of the action of the play from a speaker in the first scene (40-26)?

 

2)         From the King’s first speech, what impression does Shakespeare want us to have of him?

 

3)         What “heavy news” comes from Wales, and why is it described as “heavy”?

 

4)         What is the nature of the news from Northumberland?

 

5)         How does the first mention of Prince Hal serve to define his character? To whom is Prince Hal (Harry) contrasted?

 

6)         How has Hotspur displeased the King? Whose fault is it said to be?

 

7)         How do the Prince’s first comments to Falstaff serve to introduce Falstaff’s character to us?

 

8)         1.2 is filled with quibbles (puns) which reveal the character and wit of Falstaff and the Prince. Choose two and briefly analyze them.

 

9)         What plan does Poins propose to Falstaff?

 

10)       What plan does Poins propose to the Prince?

 

11)       Prince Hall uses a metaphor to discuss his situation.  What is he explaining to the audience, and why might Shakespeare feel it necessary to include this soliloquy by Prince Hal?

 

12)       What does Worcester say that causes the King to dismiss him? Why might a newly established King see this a s a threat?

 

13)       How does Hotspur explain his refusal to give the King the prisoners he has captured? Do we sympathize with Hotspur?

 

14)       After Hotspur has apologized to the King for withholding prisoners, how does the King anger him again? What motivates the King in this scene?

 

15)       What reason does Worcester give for the King’s attitude toward Mortimer?

 

16)       What metaphors are used by Hotspur to describe the King? What do they reveal about both parties?

 

17)       What opinion does Hotspur express of the Prince of Wales?

 

18)       Briefly sketch the character of Hotspur as defined in 1.3.