Figure 1.--Prince Hal's fictional drinking companion, Falstaff, in "Henry IV, Part II" has acquired a little page, a reward for his services in battle in the preceding play. Much of the comedy here is visual--a contrast of the obsesity and huge hulk of Falstaff with the small stature of the boy page.

Shakespeare's "Henry IV, Part II" picks up on the life of England's caraousing Prince Hal. Prince Hal is of course an actual historical figure. His drinking budy, Falstaff, is jovial, but little more than an aging criminal. The Battle of Shrewsbury have brought material rewards to those associated with Prince Hal, like the fictional Falstaff. The tavern scenes have Captain Falstaff attempting to recruit more men to the royal standard. An image portrays a humorous scene showing that Falstaff has acquired a little page, a reward for his services in battle in the preceding play. Much of the comedy here is visual--a contrast of the obsesity and huge hulk of Falstaff with the smallness of the boy page. Falstaff addresses him ironically as "you giant" and compares himself in the presence of his boy attendant as "a sow that hath overwhelmed all her litter but one." One illustration is a drawing by J.M. Wright (1776-1866). The image here is another view of Falstaff and his page from "Henry IV, Part II" (figure 1). Unfortunately, I don't know the name of the artist responsible. I believe, however, that the image is English and was done in the 19th century. Note that the boy page carries Falstaff's shield (target) and sword. This detail, too, is ironic and part of the comedy because Falstaff is portrayed in both plays as a notorious coward in battle. King Henry IV is in declining health. Prince Hals becomes increasingly serious as he beginscto appreciate that he will soon be king. He spends less time in the tavern with Falstaff and his drinking companions. Rebels continue to plot. The rebels gather their forces at the Forest of Gaultree. Here the Earl of Northumberland refuses to contribute forcescto the insurrection. Prince John, King Henry's second son, commands the King's Army and meets with the rebels. He pretends to accept their demands. The Prince, however, when the rebels disperse their forces, arrests their leaders. He then has them executed for treason. The King's health continues to deteriorate and he continues to worry about what will become of England under his pleasure-loving eldest son. The King in a dramatic scene lectures Prince Hal. The Prince, visably moved, replies in an eloquent appeal. He swears to his father that he will take his duties seriously. Then in a climatic scene, Jing Henru forgives his son and then dies. The Prince now king turns to the Lord Chief Justice, the highest law officer in the kingdom that with the death of his father, he will now turn to him for counsel and advise. With the defeat of the rebels, Prince Hal is crowned. Falstaff and his friends come to London to salute the new king. Newly crowned Henry V turns Falstaff away in public. He tells him that he must never again come within 10 miles of the king and court. Falstaff is given a pension, but King Henry no longer wants to associate with Falstaff. The King leaves Falstaff and begins to plan his invasion of France.

Created: May 1, 2004
Last updated: May 1, 2004