Second Part of King Henry IV (version 2)

arts, books, health, fitness · EN

This sequel and third entry of the Henriad immediately follows the events of Henry IV, Part 1 and the aftermath of the Battle of Shrewsbury, which saw the Percys’ rebellion against the King quashed and its leader, Hotspur, killed in combat with the Prince of Wales. Upon hearing of Hotspur’s death, his father, the Earl of Northumberland, vows to avenge him, and unites with the Archbishop of York and other discontented nobles to continue the civil unrest. Meanwhile, the boastful knight Falstaff—having emerged from Shrewsbury with greater wealth and repute—resumes his drunken misadventures in Eastcheap with a new page and swaggering ensign in tow, attracting the attentions of the coarse Doll Tearsheet and the ire of the impatient Mistress Quickly. His former companion Prince Hal, however, is now preoccupied with his father’s failing health and the weight of responsibility that will soon accompany his ascendance to the throne. While the rebel leaders plot their next moves and Falstaff bumb