Henry IV, Part TwoThe stirring continuation of the themes begun in Henry IV, Part One again pits a rebellion within the State and that master of misrule, Falstaff, against the maturing of Prince Hal. Alternating scenes between bawdy tavern and regal court, between revelry and politics, Shakespeare probes at the sources, uses, and responsibilities of power as an old king dies and a young king must choose between a ruler's solemn duty and a merry but dissipated friend, Falstaff. The play represents Shakespeare at the peak of his maturity in writing historical drama and comedy. |
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action appear Archbishop arms Bardolph bear better blood body born brother called cause comes companion continued court crown Davy dead death DERICK DOLL door doth drink Earl England Enter Exeunt Exit FALSTAFF father fear follow friends give Grace hand Harry HASTINGS hath head hear heart Henry IV hold honor hope HOSTESS King King Henry King's knight leave light live London look LORD BARDOLPH Lord Chief Justice Majesty marry Master means MOWBRAY never noble Northumberland Oldcastle peace perhaps Pistol play Poins poor pray present PRINCE JOHN prison rascal royal Rumor scene Shakespeare SHALLOW shillings sick SILENCE Sir John speak spirit stage stand sword tell thee thing Thomas thou thought true turn WARWICK Westmorland young youth