STUDY QUESTIONS

By EMMA D. Sanford

GENERAL

1. Considered chronologically, assign the relation of King Henry IV to Shakespeare's other historical plays. 2. Give year when written and reasons for authenticity of this date.

3. Give sources and mention some inconsistencies of the play. What was the duration of time of the whole action?

4. Give explanation of the confusion of the characters Oldcastle and Falstaff.

ACT I

5. In the opening lines of the play, to what past and future expeditions does the King allude?

6. What confusion does Shakespeare make in regard to the character Mortimer?

7. What speech of the King's reveals his disappointment in the valor of his son Henry?

8. What incident, after Hotspur's victory in Scotland, led to the rebellion of the Percys?

9. What expressions does Falstaff employ to indicate extreme melancholy? What are some of his plays upon words, i. e., puns?

10. What is the significance of "latter spring" and "Allhallown summer," as applied to Falstaff?

11. Define the relations of Prince Henry and Falstaff as indicated by their meeting in the Prince's apartments. 12. What is the meaning of the Prince's words, "I'll so

offend, to make offense a skill"? How do they reveal his temperament?

13. What is the purpose of the plot as outlined at the close of scene ii?

14. In scene iii, define the changed relationship between the King and the Percys. What does this portend? Describe the plot proposed by Worcester.

ACT II

15. Why is scene iii opened by the reading of a letter? Who is the probable writer of this letter, and why is it made anonymous?

16. What state of mind is indicated by Hotspur's rejoinder, "What, ho!" to his wife's entreaties? Was Lady Percy merely inquisitive, or, solicitous for her husband's welfare?

17. What speech, in scene iv, reveals the Prince's opinion of Hotspur and of fighting in general?

18. Why does Falstaff tell such an inconsistent story about the robbery (scene iv)?

19. Explain the play on the words "nobleman" and "royal man."

20. What light is thrown on Prince Henry's filial respect, by means of the imaginary dialogue in scene iv?

ACT III

21. What proofs does Glendower put forth concerning his magic power? Why does Hotspur discredit his claims? 22. What is the division of land made as spoil of the intended battle of Shrewsbury? What does the subsequent altercation indicate?

23. In what respect do the respective farewells of Mortimer and Hotspur with their wives, have a bearing on their future conduct?

24. How does the King reveal a guilty conscience, in the opening lines of scene ii? What effect does his praise of Hotspur's bravery have upon Prince Henry?

25. By what important move, does the King put the young Prince to the test?

26. How does Falstaff take advantage of a jest to refute his charge of robbery?

27. Describe the changed pursuits of Prince Henry and Falstaff at the close of scene iv.

ACT IV

28. Contrast the opinions of Hotspur and Douglas as to the significance of the loss of the support of Hotspur's father.

29. Comment upon Hotspur's outburst against Prince Henry, in view of the latter's former and subsequent conduct.

30. What are the prophetic lines concerning the ultimate defeat of the rebels at Shrewsbury?

31. Of what sort of men is Falstaff's regiment composed? Note the last two lines of his speech (scene ii); how do they reveal his whole character?

32. Which ones of the rebels are in favor of delaying battle and why?

33. What is the nature of the King's overtures as presented by Blunt?

34. What are Hotspur's reasons for rebellion as given in his reply to Blunt?

35. In York's comment upon Glendower's absence from battle, note his allusion to the latter's belief in the supernatural, as previously explained.

ACT V

36. What were the atmospheric conditions on the morning of the battle of Shrewsbury?

37. Explain the King's words, "old limbs."

38. What accusation of treachery does Worcester make against the King?

39. What is implied by Worcester in his comparison of the King to "the cuckoo's bird"?

40. Compare Prince Henry's challenge against Hotspur with the latter's fiery denunciation of the former.

41. Is the King's apparent friendliness an indication of sincerity, cowardice or treachery?

42. How does Falstaff regard honor?

43. What does Worcester propose to Vernon upon their return from their interview with the King? What is his purpose?

44. What is the interpretation to be placed on Hotspur's mood immediately preceding the battle?

45. By whom is Blunt slain? Whom does Douglas take him to be?

46. What trick did the King use to ensure his personal safety in battle?

47. Who was "Turk Gregory"? Why does Falstaff make use of this comparison?

48. Pick out Falstaff's jest in the heat of battle.

49. Prior to the battle, what has been the intercourse between Princes Henry and John, as implied by Prince Henry's remarks (scene iv)?

50. Who rescues the King from Douglas and why? 51. What is the outcome of the duel between Hotspur and Prince Henry?

52. What is the meaning of "but thought's the slave of life," etc.?

53. Comment on Falstaff's counterfeit of death and his remarks upon life and death. life and death. Was he unnecessarily vulgar, even for Falstaff?

54. What does Falstaff mean by "If I do grow great, I'll grow less"? Does his sudden resolution make amends for his perfidy and is it consistent?

55. What is the dramatic use of the battle of Shrewsbury?

56. Is the flight of Douglas intended as a satire upon the valor of the Scotch?

57. What encounters next demand the arms of the King and his sons?

58. What are the most prominent characteristics of

Henry IV, Prince Henry, Hotspur, Glendower, Douglas, Mortimer and Falstaff? How does the battle of Shrewsbury serve to illustrate them?

59. Is the sudden conversion of Prince Henry a natural transition of the boy into a man or, does Shakespeare create this reformation by way of a spectacular production?