Episode 166:
As with 'Richard II' 'Henry IV part 1' handles some complex English history as it examines the relationships between the King, his son and the powerful Percy family. After the deposition of Richard II Henry ruled for fourteen years until his death. Having ended 'Richard II' with Henry’s accession to the throne and Richard’s death in prison Shakespeare opens this play just a few years later, but with a vision of a tired king and a country dissatisfied with his rule.
The setting for the play
A brief synopsis of the play
The dating of the play
The early performance history of the play
The publication history of the play
The sources for the play
The balance of history and comedy
The historical accuracy of the play
The play as an examination of the father/son relationship
The character of Hotspur as a medieval knight
The portrayal of Glendower as a mystic leader
The role of the aristocratic ladies
Prince Hal as a new sort of leader
Falstaff, ruler of his own sort of court and a king of everyman
The historical figure of Sir John Oldcastle
The later performance history of the play
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