English 9

SHAKESPEARE'S Henry IV, Pt.1

Act III - Study Questions

Remember: Always include line #'s in your responses.

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1) What is Hotspur’s reply to Glendower’s contention that the whole earth shook at his birth?

2) How do the rebels propose to divide the country after the successful completion of the rebellion?

3) Why and how does Hotspur propose changing the course of the river Trent?

4) Who speaks as peacemaker in lll i and to what avail?

5) Why does Hotspur object to his wife’s swearing?

6) In his opening speech in lll ii., how does the King account for the behavior of his son?

7) How does the Prince explain his reputation?

8) Why does the King dwell at such length upon the character of Richard ll?

9) To what extent does the interview between the King and the Prince Hal reflect the mock interviews that Falstaff and the Prince had at the tavern in Eastcheap?

10) Why does the Prince wish that Hotspur’s honors were even greater than they are?

11) In the battle of wits in lll iii. between Falstaff and Bardolph, who wins? Why?

12) How has the Prince changed when we see him with Falstaff after his interview with the King?

13) When Falstaff cries, “Rare words! Brave world!” what causes the outburst?

A CRITICAL NOTE

G.B. Harrison writes, “As for Prince Henry, he is shown as a young man who is deliberately posing as a waster so that when the time comes he may the more effectively confound the prophets and begin his reign by surprising his subjects. Herein he is as politic and crafty as his father. Henry lV had deliberately affected modesty, humility, and sobriety in contrast to his cousin, the shallow, pleasure-loving Richard ll. The Prince deliberately mixes with low company to contrast with his father; if his companions do not realize their part in his plan, the misfortune is theirs. In battle, he shows himself the superior of Hotspur, not only as a soldier, but in is complete understanding of men. This calculating self-control in all companies may not make him an amiable man, but it is preparing him to become a ruthlessly efficient ruler. (Shakespeare: The Complete Works, p.616)

Contrast this attitude with the view of Ron Daniels and the A.R.T. in their production of Henry IV, Pt. 1. Which view do you find more compelling and why? Use back!