Henry IV, Part I Flashcards
Who is Hal?
King Henry’s son, the Prince of Wales. Also referred to as Prince Harry.
Who is Hotspur?
Earl of Northumberland, from the Percy family that had helped Henry become king. Real name Henry Percy (N.B. “Harry” is a nickname for “Henry”, so he is also called “Harry” several times in the play - do not confuse him with Hal or King Henry).
Who is King Henry?
The titular character, from the House of Plantagenet, who has recently come to power by overthrowing Richard II.
Who is John Falstaff?
Hal’s closest friend, usually appears in scenes with Hal and away from King Henry or Hotspur.
Who is Henry Percy Sr.?
Earl of Northumberland, and Hotspur’s father.
Who is Thomas Percy?
Earl of Worcester, and Hotspur’s uncle. The chief instigator of the Percy rebellion.
Who is Owen Glendower?
Leader of the Welsh rebels at the start of the play. Allies with the Percys when they rebel.
Who is Edmund Mortimer?
Earl of March, and Hotspur’s brother-in-law. Captured by Glendower at the start of the play.
Who is Archibald?
Earl of Douglas (often referred to as ‘the Douglas’): Leader of the Scottish rebels defeated by Hotspur at the start of the play. Allies with the Percys when they rebel.
What does King Henry mean when he describes his court as “wan with care” at the start of the play?
That they are so worried by the situation their faces have become pale (i.e. wan).
What is King Henry planning at the start of the play?
A Crusade to the Holy Land (i.e. Jerusalem),
What bad news does King Henry receive from the Earl of Westmoreland at the start of the play? How does this change his plans?
That Edmund Mortimer has been defeated and captured by Welsh rebels under the leadership of Owen Glendower. This news leads him to
The Earl of Westmoreland announces that he has even worse news. What is it and why isn’t King Henry bothered by it?
The news is that Scotland has also been in rebellion. King Henry is unconcerned because he was previously informed by Walter Blunt that England’s forces, let by Hotspur, were victorious.
Which character is described by King Henry describe as “the theme of honour’s tongue”?
Hotspur.
Which character does King Henry describe as “stain[ed]” by “the brow” of “riot and dishonour”?
Prince Hal.
What does King Henry wish had happened when Hal and Hotspur were born?
That a fairy had switched them and that he could claim Hotspur instead of Hal for his own.
With what word does King Henry describe Hotspur’s decision not to hand over the prisoners he has captured (excepting Mordake) to King Henry?
“pride”, meaning something closer to “arrogance” in our sense (cf. seven deadly sins).
Which character does the Earl of Westmoreland blame for Hotspur’s withholding of prisoners?
“Worcester, Malevolent to you in all aspects”.
What activity does Falstaff describe as his “vocation”?
“Purse-taking”.
Hal keeps changing his mind about whether or not to participate in the robbery at Gadshill. How does Poins finally convince him to join in?
By informing him of the plan to rob Falstaff instead.
What is “the virtue” (i.e. benefit) of robbing Falstaff?
That they will see Falstaff lie about how we was robbed when they meet at supper.
What explanation does Hal offer for his “idleness” at the end of Scene 2?
That he is trying to ensure that he can exceed the public’s expectations of him when he becomes King.
Scene 2 is delivered almost entirely in prose instead of verse, what is the only exception to this?
Hal’s soliloquy at the end.
What condition does Hotspur demand in return for handing the prisoners he has captured over to King Henry?
That the ransom for Edmund Mortimer be paid.
