The problem of Shakespeare splitting Henry IV into two parts

Gwen Herat

At the Complete Works Festival in Stratford - upon - Avon

DRAMA: Historically, Henry IV is only 37 years old but in the play he seems nearly twice his age though there is no reason to present him as a glum royal. Historically, Henry IV died in 1413. Henry IV is Falstaff’s play as the knight who was not only witty in himself but the reason of wit in others.

Forever popular, this sequel to the events described in Richard 11 probably was written and first performed in 1596. Shakespeare’s sources could have been drawn from The First Two Books of the Civil Wars written by Holinshed and Samuel Daniels which would have provided him with his character of the youthful Prince Hal which was brilliantly portrayed by Richard Burton in 1951 mounted by the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre.

In Henry IV Part Two, Shakespeare creates a more complexed though still at times extremely funny atmosphere, than the more effective one of the predecessor. It is thought to have been started around 1597 but interrupted for the Bard to create The Merry Wives of Windsor. It may have been completed and first performed in 1598.

In Henry IV, Northumberland is informed with the false news that the rebels have been triumphant at Shrewsbury and that the king has been fatally wounded and that Hotspur has killed Prince Hal.

But the version is contradicted by the servant, Traverse who has heard the real truth. As the rebels continue to assess their strategic chances of survival, Mistress Quickly has Falstaff arrested for breach of promise.

A series of funny scenes ensue against the background of an ill king. After forging ill health and being indisposed almost at death’s call to test his son’s loyalty who in the meantime has crowned himself as king, Henry wakes up from his slumber. Prince Harry convinces his father that he did not snatch the crown but it was the circumstances that made him do so. Henry believes him and the royal father and his son are reconciled.

However, the king dies shortly afterwards and the Prince inherits the crown, prompting Falstaff to believe in false importance that his past friendship with the young king will lead to a life of prosperity.

He was to be disappointed because contrary to his expectations, the king refuses to recognise the fat knight and also threaten to get him executed if he is found within a range of ten miles from him. Falstaff in ignorance deludes himself that this was a king’s threat made only for public consumption.

He believed the king would see him later, privately. Falstaff’s delusion dies when the Lord Chief Justice returns and orders Falstaff and his followers to be imprisoned.

There is a rumour that King Henry is planning to mount a military campaign in France and the play ends with an epilogue. There are other rumours too that Falstaff may escape from prison and join Princess Catherine and the armed forces but die of perspiration.

This is one lighter sequel among many that Shakespeare reserved for the end of the play in order to add a little humour.

I for one, is still at a loss to understand why Shakespeare had to divide Henry into two parts when the whole story could have been contained in one play. Especially there is not much of a story in Part II. In fact, no significant story at all except to surface the double standards of Sir Falstaff.

The chief character, Henry plays but small but significant role just like Julius Caeser in Ceasar. For the Complete Works Festival, Henry IV - Part Two is performed by Chicago Shakespeare theatre and directed by Barbara Gaines who also directed Part One two years ago for the same Company. Part One was also mounted by the Royal Shakespeare Company in the year 2000.

Most of the characters found in both plays are historically correct though Shakespeare at times deviated to accommodate characters of his choice to fill the gaps but the Bard was careful not to overlap history and open himself to debate. Shakespeare emerges brilliantly in Act IV when he uses Henry to urge his son towards his dream;

Henry - Lest’s rest and lying still might make them look back
Too near unto my State, Therefore, my Harry;
Be it thy course to busy giddy minds
With foreign quarrels , that action, hence borne out
May write the memory of the former days.
Would more I; but my lungs are wasted too
That strength of speech is utterly denied me.
How I came by to throne, O God forgive
And grant it may with thee in true peace live.
Prince - ‘My gracious liege
You won it; wore it; kept it; and gave it to me....
Act IV Scene. V

At the Complete Works Festival, dialogue played a major role. Eloquently delivered by professionals to boomerang around the halls as well as on to Henley Street throughout the day, on the same tracks that Shakespeare trodded in life. People are reminded of that very special Shakespearean language that lingers in brilliance on English Literature.

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