English 9

SHAKESPEARE'S Henry IV, Pt.1

Act V - Guided Worksheet

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1) When Worcester tells the King that he has not sought rebellion, what does Falstaff say? What does the Prince’s response to this comment indicate?

2) Why does Worcester compare the King to the cuckoo?

3) How does the Prince propose to settle the whole issue between the King and the rebels? Does he think the proposal will be accepted? Why?

4) Why does Falstaff call his speech on honor a catechism? What moral value (if any) is Falstaff endorsing in this speech?

5) In V ii., to what extent does Worcester think that the King’s forgiveness will go? Based upon what the King has said, is Worcester correct? How does this belief influence the way that Worcester presents the King’s offer to Hotspur?

6) When Vernon speaks in praise of Prince Hal, is there any difference in Hotspur’s response compared to his response to Vernon's earlier praise of Hal? How do you account for any difference you note?

7) Contrast Hotspur’s speech (90-100) with Falstaff’s catechism (127-141).

8) When Douglas kills Blunt, who does he think he has killed? Why? What is the significance of this act to the meaning of the play?

9) When the Prince asks Falstaff for his pistol, what is it that Falstaff gives him? What is the Prince’s reaction, and how does Falstaff respond?

10) The Douglas says to the King.” I fear thou art another counterfeit;/ And yet, in faith, thou bearest thee like a king." How does this statement embody a theme of the play?

11) Contrast the deaths of Hotspur and Falstaff.

12) Paraphrase the Prince’s line, “I could have better spared a better man."

13) Why did Falstaff wound the corpse of Hotspur?

14) How does the conclusion of the play prepare the audience for the conflict of Henry lV, Pt. ll (or, The Sequel)?

A CRITICAL NOTE

At the core of this play is the maturation of Prince Hal, who must make his choices from among the extreme examples presented to him. Hotspur’s honor is no more inviting than Falstaff’s, both are excesses. Nor ultimately, does Harry chooses the deception that pervades the play.