49 pages • 1 hour read
William ShakespeareHenry IV, Part 1
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1597A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Background
Literary Context: Shakespeare’s “Henriad”
The term Henriad refers to Shakespeare’s four plays documenting the rise of England’s King Henry V. These are Richard II, Henry IV, Part 1, Henry IV, Part 2, and Henry V. These plays roughly follow the historical record with a few changes and many embellishments. In Shakespeare’s retelling, Richard II’s reign is unstable; his poor governance makes him unpopular with commoners and nobles alike. After a dispute, he banishes his cousin Henry Bolingbroke, son of the Duke of Lancaster, to France. Meanwhile, Richard becomes embroiled in conflicts in Ireland, further destabilizing his reign. When Henry’s father dies, the king seizes his property, further angering Henry. Henry takes advantage of the king’s absence and returns with an army, aided by Henry Percy, the Earl of Northumberland. Richard II returns to England and surrenders without a fight. Richard abdicates, and Henry crowns himself King Henry IV. Henry imprisons Richard, and an overzealous supporter of Henry murders him, leaving Henry in the state of guilt and contrition with which Henry IV, Part 1 opens. Because of the way he took the throne, Henry’s reign is on shaky footing. The Percy family becomes displeased with him, believing he is not sufficiently grateful for their support in his rise to power.
Though Henry IV is the titular character of Henry IV, Part 1, the protagonist is generally identified as Prince Hal, who will become King Henry V. Other scholars and critics identify Hotspur as the play’s tragic hero. He possesses many virtues that Hal lacks, and his cause is arguably just, though it ends in failure. Hal’s storyline is based around the redemption of his honor, which he intentionally squandered by consorting with the lowest rungs of society. While he grows a great deal throughout the play, the prince’s character arc is far from complete. He will mature throughout Henry IV, Part 2, becoming worthy of the crown he will inherit from his father.
Historical Context: Names and Family Relations
Names in Henry IV, Part 1 can be confusing. King Henry IV was born the son of the Duke of Lancaster. While his father lived, Henry was called Bolingbroke because he was born in Bolingbroke Castle. When his father died, he inherited the title Duke of Lancaster before deposing Richard II and becoming King Henry IV. The play opens near the beginning of his reign. Henry’s eldest son is also named Henry. Before Henry IV became king, the son was called Monmouth because he was born at Monmouth Castle. When Henry became king, the son became the Prince of Wales and will go on to be King Henry V. In Henry IV, Part 1, the younger Henry is called Prince, Prince Hal, or Hal. King Henry had another son, John, who inherited the title Duke of Lancaster and is usually referred to as Lancaster or John in the play. The Percy family, who are rivals to King Henry, also have a son named Henry. He is usually referred to by his nickname, Hotspur. Hotspur’s father and uncle are referred to by their earldoms, Northumberland and Worcester, respectively. Hotspur’s ally, Douglas, is Archibald, Earl of Douglas, an earldom in Scotland. Most other prominent nobles are referred to by their family name (Mortimer, Glendower, Blunt). Sir John Falstaff is often called Jack; he is a knight, but the background of his knighthood is unclear. Poins is sometimes referred to as Edward, Yedward, or Ned. The hostess of the tavern is referred to as Hostess in stage directions; her name is Mistress Quickly.
Related Titles
By William Shakespeare
