This play is one of the earliest sequels in entertainment history. Four hundred years before the Star Wars trilogy, Shakespeare wrote his historical plays, in which the main characters and incidents portrayed in King Richard II are reprised in Henry IV Part One, and of course later in Part Two. For the most part the histories are concerned with events of the 15th century, including epic battles and rivalries leading up to the civil war known as the Wars of the Roses, which culminated in the Tudor dynasty of Shakespeare’s patron, Queen Elizabeth.

Although he is not yet king, Prince Hal is really the focus of this play. It is the story of how he redeems himself, from a juvenile delinquent hanging out with thugs and drunkards, and proves himself a worthy heir to the throne. In the process he has to renounce his former friends, including the obese, alcoholic, cowardly pathological liar Sir John Falstaff, one of the greatest classic comic characters of all English literature.

Set your calendar to October 12 when we finish reading Henry IV Part One.

Leave a message if you want a ZOOM invitation for the next reading, 10/12.

See the Files section for notes on the play.