Posted: July 23rd, 2015

Topic: Assignment #8

Topic: Assignment #8

Order Description

Required Reading:

Shakespeare, Henry IV Part 1 and Henry IV Part 2

Suggested Additional Reading:

Shakespeare, Henry V

On completion of this unit on Henry IV, you should be able to:

1.Formulate your final opinion of Henry IV, formerly called Bolingbroke, as a leader/monarch.
2.Assess Prince Hal’s “king potential” and/or “lack thereof.”
3.Decide what Falstaff’s character contributes.

!!!Respond to all four of the following items with a minimum of 1½ pages of supported (by quotes and incidents) discussion for each item.

1.As with the characterization of Richard II, Shakespeare draws the “major players” in these two plays with some ambivalence: we are shown their faults and their strengths or likeability at the same time (though one side usually appears dominant). Examine this ambivalence of strength and weakness in Prince Hal and Henry IV (who was known as Bolingbroke before he ascended to the throne in Richard II). In so doing, use illustrative short quotes and specific incidents or examples of action or deeds within the play.

2.Shakespeare uses the “deathbed advice” Bolingbroke gives to Prince Hal, his son, to voice Bolingbroke’s philosophy (and personal observations) on what it takes to be an effective king or leader. Comment on these ideas, using short illustrative quotes from the play as well as specific examples of the dying king’s advice. In your discussion, include any regrets or doubts that Bolingbroke seems to harbor regarding the way in which he became king or his own leadership of England.

!Note: The selected online resource referenced for Unit 8 pertains closely to the material in Henry IV Part 1&2:

*Schneider, Jr., Ben R. “Henry IV, 1 & 2: The Education of a Prince.” Chap. 4 in Shakespeare’s Morals (in progress).
http://extra.shu.ac.uk/emls/iemls/shaksper/files/MORAL%20SHAKES-4.txt
Part of Schneider’s yet-unpublished work Shakespeare’s Morals, this chapter lends excellent insight into Prince Hal, his father Henry IV, and Hal’s readiness or lack thereof to assume the throne.

Use of the online resource is optional. Be sure all specific ideas, examples, and phrasings as well as direct quotations from this (and any online or other reference source) are thoroughly documented.

3.Trace the development of Prince Hal’s character from the beginning of the Henry plays until their end, and comment on whether or not you believe Shakespeare shows him as having matured enough to lead his country. Use illustrative short quotes as well as specific examples of actions or behavior to support your discussion.

!Note: The selected online resource referenced for Unit 8 pertains closely to the material in Henry IV Part 1&2:

*Schneider, Jr., Ben R. “Henry IV, 1 & 2: The Education of a Prince.” Chap. 4 in Shakespeare’s Morals (in progress).
http://extra.shu.ac.uk/emls/iemls/shaksper/files/MORAL%20SHAKES-4.txt
Part of Schneider’s yet-unpublished work Shakespeare’s Morals, this chapter lends excellent insight into Prince Hal, his father Henry IV, and Hal’s readiness or lack thereof to assume the throne.

Use of the online resource is optional. Be sure all specific ideas, examples, and phrasings as well as direct quotations from this (and any online or other reference source) are thoroughly documented.

4.We have all known people like Falstaff, a legendary character within this play who is a veritable oxymoron (made up of contradictory truths): a man of intelligence whose actions (or lack thereof) and words, though often amusing, do not promote his success in the world. Examine the strengths and character flaws or weaknesses in Falstaff, and support your discussion by citing specific incidents and examples of his actions, speeches, and what others say about him (include short supporting direct quotes from the play).

Quotes to Note

“The better part of valor is discretion …” (Falstaff, Henry IV Pt. 1, V, iv)

“He hath eaten me out of house and home.” (Hostess Quickly, Henry IV Pt. 2, II, i).

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