Chapter Synopsis of Henry IV Part I - Study Guide by William Shakespeare

by way of reward for Mortimer’s claim for the English throne. This scene proves to the audience that despite the validity of his claim, Mortimer would not be an inappropriate ruler of England – the division of England would be the most ridiculous and indeed evil political move a ruler could make. This fact is highlighted by Hotspur’s scrapping over certain boundaries. Certainly, the only effect of dividing the country with men like these would be more civil war.

We shift from the political to the emotional when we finally compare the love between Mortimer and his Welsh-speaking wife (they cannot understand each other) to the friendly sparring of Hotspur and Kate.

Act III, Scene II

The King and his son meet in the London palace, Hal acknowledges that he does not behave in the most princely of ways but at the same time reports to his father may well be excessive and untrue therefore painting a worse picture of him than necessary. His father then goes on to describe the difference between his own behaviour when he was younger and that of Richard II which was full of self-display and stupidity. He draws a parallel between that relationship and the one that exists between Hal and Hotspur. An excessive description of Hotspur’s military successes follow ending with the request of the King that his son join him in battle against the rebels. The two are reconciled when Hal asserts that he will make his father proud and defeat Hotspur in the coming battle.

Act III, Scene III

Falstaff and Bardolph joke together, employing puns and archaic wordplays. The mistress of the tavern enters and Falstaff asserts that his ring is missing and that the papers have gone from his pockets as well. He exaggerates the value of what was taken from him and she retorts that he has a number of large and long-standing debts to her. The Prince enters and settles the dispute by admitting that he pick-pocketed his friend. They begin to prepare for the battle at Shrewsbury.

Act IV, Scene I

In the rebel camp in Shrewsbury Hotspur and Douglas pay each other compliments. Their jollity is somewhat destroyed when a letter arrives from Northumerland stating that he is unwell and his army cannot join them in Shrewsbury. Worcester is the rebel most worried by this news. Sir Richard Vernon arrives, warning of the Royalist army’s approach and elucidating that Hal is now a reformed man: a heroic soldier. Glendower also lets the rebels down as his army will not be ready for another 2 weeks.

Act IV, Scene II

Falstaff and his "charge of foot" make their way to Shrewsbury whilst Bardolph sets off to buy wine. Falstaff’s army a very motley crew and he explains how he uses the power given to him by the Prince in order to gain and impress the men that are under him. Hal and Westmoreland arrive and speed is needed as "Percy is already in the field."

Act IV, Scene III

The rebels discuss how best to defeat the King. Typically the rash Hotspur and Douglas believe that speed is of the essence whereas Worcester and Vernon believe that tactically they should move slower so that the armies are well rested and there are more forces available. Sir Walter Blunt comes from the King with an offer of peace and a redress of grievances. Hotspur is unmoved by this and describes how Northumberland helped the King into England after his exile, yet once he took his place on the throne he turned against the very people who helped him. Nonetheless it is decided that Worcester will go to the King’s camp in the morning to discuss the matter further.

Act IV, Scene IV