The Complete Henry Iv, Part One: An Annotated Edition of the Shakespeare Play

By Donald J. Richardson

Henry IV, Part One is a rich play: rich in drama and intrigue, political machinations, and comedy. Not only does Prince Harry (Hal) redeem himself in his fathers eyes, he also satisfies audience expectations. One important sub-plot running throughout the play is the questionable ascension of Henry IV to the throne. Additionally, one cannot ignore the comparison between Prince Harry and Hotspur (Harry Monmouth).
Finally there is the dominant character of Falstaff, larger than a life portrait which no artist could possibly capture. One might cavil at Falstaffs disregard for truth, for his penchant for lying, for his pusillanimity which approaches and even encompasses true cowardice. Yet even acknowledging the truth of these charges, over the centuries audiences have taken Falstaff to their hearts, perhaps seeing him as an avatar of weaknesses they, too, possess. Thus, despite (maybe because of) his personal flaws, audiences have accepted Falstaff without reservation, sharing his misadventures and laughing at his peccadillos, allowing Falstaff to endure as one of Shakespeares titanic creations, truly a man for all seasons.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: May 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781496907158

Donald J. Richardson

Although he has long been eligible to retire, Donald J. Richardson continues to (try to) teach English Composition at Phoenix College in Arizona. He defines his life through his teaching, his singing, his volunteering, and his grandchildren.

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© 2014 by Donald J. Richardson. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse   04/29/2014

ISBN: 978-1-4969-0714-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-0713-4 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-0715-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014907739

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Table of Contents

ACT I

ACT II

ACT III

ACT IV

ACT V

Works Cited

Other Books by Donald J. Richardson

Dust in the Wind, 2001

Rails to Light, 2005

Song of Fools, 2006

Words of Truth, 2007

The Meditation of My Heart, 2008

The Days of Darkness, 2009

The Dying of the Light, 2010

Between the Darkness and the Light, 2011

The Days of Thy Youth, 2012

Those Who Sit in Darkness¸ 2013

Just a Song at Twilight, 2014

The Complete Hamlet, 2012

The Complete Macbeth, 2013

The Complete Romeo and Juliet, 2013

The Complete King Lear, 2013

The Complete Julius Caesar, 2013

The Complete Merchant of Venice, 2013

The Complete Midsummer Night’s Dream, 2013

The Complete Much Ado About Nothing, 2013

The Complete Twelfth Night, 2014

The Complete Taming of the Shrew, 2014

The Complete Tempest, 2014

The Complete Othello, 2014

For lovers of Falstaff

About the Book

Henry IV, Part One is a rich play: rich in drama and intrigue, political machinations, and comedy. Not only does Prince Harry (Hal) redeem himself in his father’s eyes, he also satisfies audience expectations. One important sub-plot running throughout the play is the questionable ascension of Henry IV to the throne. Additionally, one cannot ignore the comparison between Prince Harry and Hotspur (Harry Monmouth).

Finally there is the dominant character of Falstaff, larger than a life portrait which no artist could possibly capture. One might cavil at Falstaff’s disregard for truth, for his penchant for lying, for his pusillanimity which approaches and even encompasses true cowardice. Yet even acknowledging the truth of these charges, over the centuries audiences have taken Falstaff to their hearts, perhaps seeing him as an avatar of weaknesses they, too, possess. Thus, despite (maybe because of) his personal flaws, audiences have accepted Falstaff without reservation, sharing his misadventures and laughing at his peccadillos, allowing Falstaff to endure as one of Shakespeare’s titanic creations, truly a man for all seasons.

About the Author

Donald J. Richardson is still trying to teach English Composition at Phoenix College.

Henry IV, Part One

ACT I