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Overview
Synopsis
William Shakespeare's Henry IV Part I is based on the life of King Henry IV of England and his son, Prince Hal, who eventually is crowned King Henry V. At this time, King Henry has deposed King Richard II and now sits on the throne of England -- though his hold on the throne continues to be somewhat tenuous. Meanwhile, his son and only heir to the kingdom is off cavorting in the pubs, associating criminals, and appointing the drunken Falstaff as a sort of surrogate father-figure, shirking the more formal father-son relationship he is expected to have with his father, the king. Meanwhile, The Percy family, who were instrumental in putting King Henry IV on the throne in the first place, are now devising a plan to depose him. The King owes the Percys money, and they are frustrated that he will neither repay the debt nor afford them the control and respect they believe that they are due as noblemen. When battles turn deadly and King Henry's kingship is actively threatened, will party boy Prince Hal finally step up to the plate to defend his father and his country?
Show Information
- Book
- William Shakespeare
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 5
- First Produced
- 1600
- Genres
- Drama, Historical/Biographical
- Settings
- Period, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- England, 1400s
- Cast Size
- large
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- College/University, Large Cast, Mostly Male Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Young Adult, Late Teen Characters
Context
Henry IV, Part One documents the early reign of Henry Bolingbroke, the Plantagenet king who took the crown from his cousin Richard (documented by Shakespeare in Richard II). Most likely written in 1597, the play’s earliest recorded performance is March 6, 1600, where it was performed at court for the visiting Flemish ambassador. Out of Shakespeare’s ten known history plays, Henry IV, Part One is one of the most popular--both in Shakespeare’s lifetime and even today. It was reprinted many
to read the context for Henry IV Part 1 and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
Act One
King Henry IV is relieved that war is finally done, and he is ready to raise an army to march to the Holy Land, as he promised to do after gaining the crown from Richard II (whom he deposed). However, his nobleman Westmoreland informs him that there is still war: Not only is there trouble on the Scottish border, but there is a revolt happening in Wales, under the command of Owen Glendower. This Welsh rebel has taken a prisoner: Edmund Mortimer, whose sister Lady Kate is married
to read the plot for Henry IV Part 1 and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
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Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
Formally giving up the throne and royal titles.
Soon
Cheat
Referring to life in England under the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, 1558-1603.
A type of printing in which four pages of text are printed on one sheet (two per side), and then folded to make four total pages. This was a popular method for printing plays in the Elizabethan period.
From now on
A genre of play that is based on the narrative of true historical events and people, often considered a subgenre of tragedy.
A scoundrel; a young man or boy; a servant
Please, I ask of you
An exclamation meaning "God's wounds"; used to express frustration or surprise
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Cindi Calhoun
Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress