“King Henry IV” by Shakespeare in short summary
Part one
The source of the plot were several anonymous plays and the chronicles of Hollshed, with whom, however, Shakespeare treated quite freely. The plays about the reign of Henry IV form, as it were, the middle part of the tetralogy, the beginning of which is “Richard II”, and the end is “Henry V”. All of them are connected by the sequence of historical events and the commonality of some characters. The play takes place in England at the beginning of the fifteenth century, when the royal power asserted itself in the struggle against the willful feudal lords.
King Henry IV is going to lead a campaign to the Holy Land, which should become penance, church repentance, for the murder of Richard II. But these plans fail when the king learns from the Earl of Westmoreland that the rebellious Welsh commander Owen Glendaur defeated a huge British army led by Edmund Mortimer, the Earl of March, who was taken prisoner. Henry is also reported that in the
Meanwhile, the Prince of Wales Hel is having fun in his home with Sir Falstaff, a fat knight whose penchant for fun and sherry does not moderate either gray hair or an empty purse. Ned Poins, one of the Prince’s dissolute friends, persuades him and Sir Falstaff to rob pilgrims and merchants. Hel resists, but Poynes secretly tells him how it is possible to expose Falstaff with the coward that he is. Left alone, the prince reflects on his behavior. He is going to imitate the sun, which is hidden in the clouds, to appear later in even greater brilliance.
The relationship between the king and the Percy family becomes even more strained when Earl of Worcester, brother of Northumberland and Uncle Hotsper, recalls that it is the house of Percy Henry owed to the crown. Although Hotsper argues that his deed with the Scottish prisoners was
As planned, Falstaff and his friends robbed travelers. Prince and Poyns are prudently concealed. Wearing masks, they attack the robbers at a time when they share the prey. Falstaff and his cousins flee by throwing their loot. Later in the tavern “Cabana head” Falstaff and other thieves join the already brave Prince Heinrich and Poins. Falstaff bitterly reproaches the prince, who threw a friend in the moment of danger, and vividly describes his exploits in an unequal battle, and the number of enemies defeated by him increases with each phrase. As evidence of his prowess, he demonstrates a tattered jacket and pants. The Prince reveals the lie, but Falstaff is not at all embarrassed – of course he recognized the prince, “but remember the instinct: the lion and the prince will not touch the prince of blood. Instinct is a great thing, and I instinctively became a coward. I showed myself as a lion, and you showed yourself to be a pure-blooded prince. “When the king sends a courtier for his son, the fat knight offers to rehearse the explanations that Hel will give the angry parent, playing the role of king, Falstaff reveals the prince’s friends, except for only” although somewhat stout his name is Falstaff Falstaff is full of virtue. Leave it to yourself, and drive the rest… “When the prince and his friend change roles, Hel-King” severely condemns “the abominable, monstrous seducer of youth – Falstaff.” Falstaff-the “prince” is very friendly about “dear Jack Falstaff, good Jack Falstaff, faithful Jack Falstaff, brave Jack Falstaff. ” and you showed yourself to be a purebred prince. “When the king sends a courtier for his son, the fat knight suggests rehearsing the explanations that Hel will give the angry parent. Playing the role of king, Falstaff censures the prince’s friends, except for just” a respectable man, though somewhat corpulent Call Falstaff Falstaff is full of virtue. Leave it to yourself, and drive the rest… “When the prince and his friend change roles, Hel-King” severely condemns “the abominable, monstrous seducer of youth – Falstaff.” Falstaff-the “prince” is very friendly about “dear Jack Falstaff, good Jack Falstaff, faithful Jack Falstaff, brave Jack Falstaff. ” and you showed yourself to be a purebred prince. “When the king sends a courtier for his son, the fat knight suggests rehearsing the explanations that Hel will give the angry parent. Playing the role of king, Falstaff censures the prince’s friends, except for just” a respectable man, though somewhat corpulent Call Falstaff Falstaff is full of virtue. Leave it to yourself, and drive the rest… “When the prince and his friend change roles, Hel-King” severely condemns “the abominable, monstrous seducer of youth – Falstaff.” Falstaff-the “prince” is very friendly about “dear Jack Falstaff, good Jack Falstaff, faithful Jack Falstaff, brave Jack Falstaff. ” The fat knight proposes to rehearse the explanations that Hel will give the angry parent. Playing the role of king, Falstaff censures the prince’s friends, with the exception of just “a respectable man, though somewhat stout he is called Falstaff Falstaff is full of virtues.” Leave him with him, and drive the rest… “. When the prince and his friend change roles, Hel-king “severely condemns” the ugly, monstrous seducer of youth – Falstaff. ” Falstaff-the “prince” is very friendly about “dear Jack Falstaff, good Jack Falstaff, devoted to Jack Falstaff, brave Jack Falstaff.” The fat knight proposes to rehearse the explanations that Hel will give the angry parent. Playing the role of king, Falstaff censures the prince’s friends, with the exception of just “a respectable man, though somewhat stout he is called Falstaff Falstaff is full of virtues.” Leave him with him, and drive the rest… “. When the prince and his friend change roles, Hel-king “severely condemns” the ugly, monstrous seducer of youth – Falstaff. ” Falstaff-the “prince” is very friendly about “dear Jack Falstaff, good Jack Falstaff, devoted to Jack Falstaff, brave Jack Falstaff.” although somewhat stout his name is Falstaff Falstaff is full of virtue. Leave it to yourself, and drive the rest… “When the prince and his friend change roles, Hel-King” severely condemns “the abominable, monstrous seducer of youth – Falstaff.” Falstaff-the “prince” is very friendly about “dear Jack Falstaff, good Jack Falstaff, faithful Jack Falstaff, brave Jack Falstaff. ” although somewhat stout his name is Falstaff Falstaff is full of virtue. Leave it to yourself, and drive the rest… “When the prince and his friend change roles, Hel-King” severely condemns “the abominable, monstrous seducer of youth – Falstaff.” Falstaff-the “prince” is very friendly about “dear Jack Falstaff, good Jack Falstaff, faithful Jack Falstaff, brave Jack Falstaff. “
The conspirators meet in Bangor. Hotsper because of his unbridled disposition comes into conflict with Glendaur. Hotsper taunts his faith in the omens that accompanied his birth, and in the supernatural forces in general. Another subject of the dispute is the division of the country, which they intend to capture. Mortimer and Worcester scold Hotsper for mocking Glendaur. Mortimer says that his father-in-law is “a worthy person, / Very well-read and dedicated / secret in science.” From disputes they are distracted by the arrival of ladies: Hotspur’s witty wife – Lady Percy, and the young wife of Mortimer, Welsh, whose inability to speak English does not cool her husband’s ardor.
In London, the king rebukes his son for wantonness. He sets his example of the behavior of Hotsper and his own in his youth. Henry recalls that unlike Richard, who “fawned on the opinion of the crowd,” he kept aloof from the people, remaining in his eyes mysterious and attractive. In response, the prince vows to surpass the exploits of Hotspur.
Having appeared in the tavern “Cabana head”, the prince finds Falstaff there, who teases friends and scolds his mistress. Prince Henry declares to the fat man that he was assigned to the infantry, the rest of the gangsters sends out with errands and leaves himself with the words: “The country is on fire, the enemy is hovering high. / He or we have to fall.” Falstaff is delighted with the words of the prince and demands breakfast.
In their camp at Shrewsbury, the rebels learn that, because of illness, Earl of Northumberland will not take part in the battle. Worcester considers this a loss for the cause, but Hotsper and Douglas assure that this will not seriously weaken them. News of the approach of the royal troops and the delay of Glendaur with a help for two weeks puzzles Douglas and Worcester, but Hotspur is ready to start the battle as soon as the king’s army reaches Shrewsbury. He anticipates a duel with his namesake – Prince Henry.
On the road near Coventry, Captain Falstaff holds a review of his squad. He admits that he collected a pathetic rabble, and released all those fit for service for taking bribes. Appearing Prince Henry rebukes a friend for the nasty appearance of his recruits, but the fat knight gets rid of jokers and claims that his subordinates are “good enough to dangle them with spears.” Cannon meat, cannon fodder! “.
Worcester and Vernon are trying to persuade Hotspur not to engage the king’s army, but to wait for reinforcements. Douglas and Hotspur want to join the fight immediately. The messenger of the king arrives. Henry IV wants to know what the rebels are upset about, he is ready to fulfill their wishes and grant forgiveness. Hotsper hotly reproaches the monarch for insidiousness and ingratitude, but does not exclude the possibility of compromise. Thus, the battle is postponed.
In York, the rebellious Archbishop, apprehending the defeat of his allies, gives the order to prepare the city for defense.
In his camp at Shrewsbury, the king announces to the parliamentarians of the rebels Wooster and Vernon that he will have mercy on the rebels if they renounce the battle. He wants to preserve the lives of his subjects in both camps. Prince Henry extols Hotspur’s prowess, but summons him to combat, in order to resolve the dispute with little blood.
Worcester and Vernon hide from Hotspur the good proposals of the king, because they do not believe in royal promises, but pass the challenge from the prince. In the ensuing battle, Prince Henry saves his life to his father, who crossed his sword with Douglas, and kills Hotsper in single combat. He pronounces a laudatory speech over the body of a valiant enemy and then notices the defeated Falstaff. A dissolute knight pretended to be a dead man to avoid danger. The prince grieves for a friend, but after his departure Falstaff gets up and, noticing the returned Henry and his brave little brother Prince John of Lancaster, writes a fable about the fact that Hotsper came to himself after a fight with Henry and was again defeated by him, Falstaff. Now, when the battle ended with the victory of the king, he awaits a reward and extraordinary favors. The King condemns the captives of Worcester and Vernon to death, that their lies cost lives to many knights. Wounded Douglas for his valor at the request of Prince Henry is released without ransom. The troops are divided according to the royal order and go on a campaign to punish the rest of the rebels.
Part two
After false reports of victory, Earl of Northumberland finally learns that his son Hotsper was killed in the Battle of Shrewsbury and that the Royal Army, led by the second son of King John Lancaster and Earl Westmoreland, is heading towards him. The Earl decides to unite his troops with the forces of the rebellious archbishop of York.
In London, the Chief Justice, when he met Falstaff on the street, shames him for his bad behavior and encourages him to mature in his old age. The fat man, as always, scoffs, brags and does not miss an opportunity to remind the judge of the slap that he received from Prince Henry, the patron of Falstaff.
In York, the archbishop’s approximate members weigh their chances of victory. They are encouraged by the fact that only a third of the royal troops, led by Prince John and Earl Westmoreland, are moving on them. The king himself and his eldest son opposed the Welshmen of Glendaur, another part of the royal army must resist the French. Yet some of the rebellious lords believe that they can not stand without the help of Count Nortemberland. In London, Mrs. Kuikli, owner of the tavern “Cabana head”, seeks to arrest Falstaff for his debts and failure to fulfill his promise to marry. Falstaff intervenes with her, with the police and the supreme judge appearing on the street, bringing in his defense the most unexpected and comical arguments. Finally, he manages to lure the widow Kuikli not only forgiveness of his former debts, but also a new loan, as well as an invitation to dinner. Returning to London, Prince Henry and Poyns, learning about this dinner, decide to change their servants and serve on it to see Falstaff “in its present form.” The return of the royal army to the capital was caused by the severe illness of Henry IV. His eldest son is deeply saddened by his father’s illness, but hides it in order not to be a hypocrite.
At Warworth, the castle of Earl of Northumberland, the widowed Lady Percy is ashamed of her father-in-law for the loss of Hotsper, who was left without reinforcements because of his feigned illness. She and the Count’s wife insist that he fled to Scotland, instead of speaking to the aid of the Archbishop of York.
To Falstaff, Mrs. Kuikli and Dolle Tershit, having a gay feast at the tavern, Bardolph and the pompous ensign Pistol join in. The Prince and Pines, who put on servant jackets, are witnessing a thrilling scene between Falstaff and Dolle and hear that, in the opinion of the old reveler, the prince is a “good fellow, though foolish,” Poynes is a baboon with a place on the gallows, and much more. When indignant Henry is about to drag Falstaff by his ears, he recognizes his patron and immediately explains that “he spoke ill of him to fallen creatures so that these fallen creatures would not like to love him.” I acted as a caring friend and loyal subject. ” The fun ends suddenly, as the prince and Falstaff are calling for weapons to oppose the northern rebels. Falstaff still manages to sneak off and, returning to the tavern,
In Westminster Palace, the tortured king reflects on sleepless nights – the lot of every monarch – and remembers that the murdered Richard II foresaw a gap between him and Percy’s house. In an effort to raise the mood of the king, Earl Warwick diminishes the power of the insurgents and reports the death of Owen Glendaur, the rebellious owner of Wales. In Gloucestershire, Falstaff recruits the friend of his youth, Judge Schellow. Having talked to the recruits, he takes the bribe free of those fit for service and leaves the unadapted ones – Mozzljak, Shadow and Wart. Falstaff goes on a campaign with a firm intention on the way back to rob the old friend.
In the Yorkshire forest, the Archbishop of York informs his companions that Northumberland left them and, without gathering troops, fled to Scotland. The Earl of Westmoreland tries to reconcile the rebellious lords with the king and convinces them to make peace with Prince John. Lord Mowbray is overpowered by misgivings, but the archbishop convinces him that the king yearns for peace in the kingdom at all costs. At a meeting with the rebels, the prince promises that all their demands will be met, and drinks for their health. The conspirators are dismissing the troops, and the treacherous prince arrests them for treason. He orders to pursue the disparate rebel troops and deal with them.
The king is in the Jerusalem Chamber of Westminster. He persuades his younger sons to maintain a good relationship with Prince Henry, whose favors they will depend on in the future. He complains about the diligence of the heir. Earl Warwick tries to find excuses for Henry, but they do not convince the king. The Earl of Westmoreland brings news that Prince John has suppressed a mutiny. The second messenger also reports on the victory – the Yorkshire sheriff defeated the forces of Northumberland and the Scots. However, from the joyful news the king becomes ill. He is taken to bed. While the king is asleep, Prince Henry enters his room. Deciding that his father is already dead, Henry puts on the crown and leaves. The awakened king learns that the prince went to him, and, not finding the crown, bitterly accuses his son: “Your whole life was proving plainly / That you do not love me, and I wanted you, / That in the hour of death I be sure of this. “The prince hastens to explain his deed: he assures his father that he considered him dead and took the crown only in fulfillment of his duty.” The son, touched by the eloquence of his son, calls him to his bedside. went to power, and although he considers the position of his son to be more stable, he warns him against strife inside the country: “Lead the war in foreign lands, my Henry, / To take the hot heads…” Having learned that he felt bad in the Jerusalem chamber, the king recalls the prophecy according to which he must to finish life in Jerusalem, the King always believed that the Holy Land was meant, but now he understands the true meaning of the prediction and asks him again to take him to the same chamber: “There, in Jerusalem, I’ll give up the spirit of the sky.” He assures his father that he found him dead and took the crown only to fulfill his duty. Touched by the eloquence of his son, the king beckons him to his head. He recalls the devious ways in which he came to power, and although he considers the position of his son to be more stable, he warns him against strife inside the country: “Lead the war in foreign lands, my Henry, / To get the hot heads off…” bad in the Jerusalem chamber, the king remembers the prophecy that he must end his life in Jerusalem. The king always believed that the Holy Land was meant. Now he understands the true meaning of the prediction and asks him again to take him to the same chamber: “There, in Jerusalem, I’ll betray the spirit.” He assures his father that he found him dead and took the crown only to fulfill his duty. Touched by the eloquence of his son, the king beckons him to his head. He recalls the devious ways in which he came to power, and although he considers the position of his son to be more stable, he warns him against strife inside the country: “Lead the war in foreign lands, my Henry, / To get the hot heads off…” bad in the Jerusalem chamber, the king remembers the prophecy that he must end his life in Jerusalem. The king always believed that the Holy Land was meant. Now he understands the true meaning of the prediction and asks him again to take him to the same chamber: “There, in Jerusalem, I’ll betray the spirit.” He recalls the devious ways in which he came to power, and although he considers the position of his son to be more stable, he warns him against strife inside the country: “Lead the war in foreign lands, my Henry, / To get the hot heads off…” bad in the Jerusalem chamber, the king remembers the prophecy that he must end his life in Jerusalem. The king always believed that the Holy Land was meant. Now he understands the true meaning of the prediction and asks him again to take him to the same chamber: “There, in Jerusalem, I’ll betray the spirit.” He recalls the devious ways in which he came to power, and although he considers the position of his son to be more stable, he warns him against strife inside the country: “Lead the war in foreign lands, my Henry, / To get the hot heads off…” bad in the Jerusalem chamber, the king remembers the prophecy that he must end his life in Jerusalem. The king always believed that the Holy Land was meant. Now he understands the true meaning of the prediction and asks him again to take him to the same chamber: “There, in Jerusalem, I’ll betray the spirit.” the king remembers the prophecy that he must end his life in Jerusalem. The king always believed that the Holy Land was meant. Now he understands the true meaning of the prediction and asks him again to take him to the same chamber: “There, in Jerusalem, I’ll betray the spirit.” the king remembers the prophecy that he must end his life in Jerusalem. The king always believed that the Holy Land was meant. Now he understands the true meaning of the prediction and asks him again to take him to the same chamber: “There, in Jerusalem, I’ll betray the spirit.”
In Westminster, the young king assures the brothers that they have nothing to worry about their fate during his reign. The High Judge, once imprisoned by Henry in prison for insulting his rank, is forgiven and approached for his firmness and fearlessness. Henry says: “In my coffin with my father my disingenuousness came down.”
Falstaff, learning about the accession of his patron, hurries to London. During the coronation, he becomes in a prominent place. He is waiting for extraordinary honors from an old friend and promises to share them with his appointments, including with Shelou, who managed to pay a lot of debts. But the outgoing to the people of Henry on the familiar appeal of Falstaff answers: “Old man, with you I’m a stranger.” Repent! / Gray hair is not at all to the jester’s face. ” The king expels the former friends, promising them to give the means to life, so that “the need for evil does not push you.” Falstaff is sure that Henry’s sternness is feigned, but the incoming Supreme Judge orders him to be arrested with his friends and imprisoned. Prince John tells the judge: “I like the act of the emperor, / Intends to provide his former companions / He provide, but he drove them all out / And will not return,
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