Act One, Scene One

King Henry speaks with Westmorland about the fact that he has tried to lead a crusade to the Holy Land for over a year, but cannot due to the civil strife at home. He vows to end the civil wars within England. Westmorland, however, has news that Mortimer has been captured by the Welsh nobleman Glyndwr, and that he has married Glyndwr's daughter. This news is followed by positive news that Hotspur has defeated the Earl of Douglas up near Scotland and taken prisoners.

King Henry, although overjoyed by the news of the victory, is sad that his own son Harry, known affectionately as Hal, is a prodigal, spending time in taverns rather than fighting. He compares Hotspur, the son of Northumberland, with his son, and wonders whether they were switched at birth. "Then would I have his Harry, and he mine" (1.1.89).

Act One, Scene Two

Hal, who is the Prince of Wales, and his good friend Falstaff are in an apartment drinking and having fun. In dialogue laced with sexual innuendo, they speak about a tavern where both men like to flirt with the hostess. Their conversation turns to thieves, and Falstaff tells Hal that when he becomes the king he had better not hang a thief. Hal jokingly offers Falstaff the job of hangman for the thieves.

A thief named Poins enters, and soon he and Falstaff try to coax Prince Harry to join them in thievery. Hal reluctantly agrees, saying, "Well then, once in my days I'll be a madcap" (1.2.127). After Falstaff leaves, Poins tells him that they will play a trick on Falstaff. They plot to allow the other men, including Falstaff, to rob their target. After the robbery is complete, Hal and Poins will descend upon the robbers and rob them in return. Hal finally agrees to this, mostly for the anticipated fun of seeing Falstaff try to explain how he got robbed after committing his own crime.

Hal ends the scene with a brilliant soliloquy, saying, "I know you all, and will a while uphold / The unyoked humour of your idleness" (1.2.173-174). This soliloquy unmasks Hal, who tells the audience that he is only pretending to be a madcap prince. He claims that he is friends with the thieves in order to mask his true identity, which is that of a future king. "My reformation, glitt'ring o'er my fault, / Shall show more goodly and attract more eyes" (1.2.191-192). Thus Hal is hiding himself underground for now, but through his speech the audience knows that he will soon assume his rightful position as heir to the throne.

Act One, Scene Three

King Henry, Hotspur and Northumberland meet together. Henry is furious about the fact that Hotspur has refused to hand over the prisoners he captured in Scotland. Hotspur, in his defense, says that he previously refused to hand over the prisoners because he was still on the battlefield, and disliked the young man who demanded them in the king's name.

King Henry does not accept Hotspur's argument concerning the prisoners, and is equally upset that Hotspur's brother-in-law Mortimer lost the battle in Wales to Glyndwr. Henry believes that Mortimer is a traitor, a charge which Hotspur denies. However, there is a complication because Mortimer was also named by Richard II as his heir to the throne, which Henry IV usurped when he defeated Richard. After a final demand for Hotspur to release the prisoners into his custody, King Henry allows Hotspur and Northumberland to return home together.

Hotspur and Northumberland remain on stage after everyone exits. Hotspur tells his father that he will never release the prisoners, and that he will die trying to defend Mortimer's reputation. He even refers to Bolingbroke, King Henry's family name, implying that he does not recognize the legitimacy of Henry's claim to the throne.

Hotspur works himself into a frenzy about the injustices he is suffering, refusing to listen to Worcester or his father. Finally he calms down, and Worcester recommends that Hotspur deliver his prisoners to Henry, but make the son of Douglas his main ally in Scotland. He then tells Northumberland to make friends with the Archbishop of York, whose distant cousin Lord Scrope was killed by Henry. Together they plan to unite their armies in Scotland and York with Glyndwr's forces in Wales, and then overthrow the king by splitting England into three portions.

Analysis

Henry IV, Part One begins with King Henry trying to make England peaceful again. His words at the beginning allude to an England with no more civil wars. However, this utopian dream of his fails immediately, and within a few lines we receive reports of war in Wales and Scotland. The effort to rule England without civil war is a dream which must be left to Henry's son Hal.

Hal is by far the most compelling character in terms of his depth. He is brilliant with language, having the ability to learn the language of others very quickly. He also has a gift for acting, and is therefore able to interact with the street ruffians in the taverns. Falstaff, his companion in crime, represents the base elements which Hal chooses to make friends with.

However, Shakespeare gives a very different picture of Hal almost immediately. At the end of the second scene we are introduced to a new Hal, and unexpectedly devious and cunning Hal who is fully aware that he will someday rule England. Hal is not a madcap, for he tells us that he is fact merely acting the part of the prodigal son so that he may shine all the brighter later on. "I know you all, and will a while uphold / The unyoked humour of your idleness" (1.2.173-174). In fact, the street life is a form of education for Hal, a man who is able to speak a tinkerer's language within fifteen minutes (2.5.15)

It is only with this inside knowledge of Hal's true character that we can understand his sarcastic allusions and comments differently from the other characters. For example, Hal remarks to Falstaff after his friend has ignored an older lord's advice that, "Thou didst well, for wisdom cries out in the streets, and no man regards it" (1.2.78). Hal clearly recognizes the old lord's wisdom, but is willing to pretend that it is of no regard. Even more interesting is when Hal tells Falstaff that, "Thou judgest false already" (1.2.57), alluding to Falstaff thinking he will be made a judge. This is not about being a judge though, it is really about Falstaff's knowledge of Hal.

The interactions between Falstaff and Hal lead to several moments of intense foreshadowing. For example, Falstaff tells Hal that, "By the lord, I'll be a traitor then, when thou art king" (1.2.130). This is in fact the case in Henry IV, Part Two, when Hal has Falstaff banished as soon as he is the king. This occurs later on in Act Three as well.

Hotspur, the young man whom King Henry wishes his son Hal would emulate, emerges as a central character in this act. What is most striking about Hotspur is the fact that he is a warrior, with a warrior's impulses. He belongs to the feudal times, with his hot temper and passions. His father Northumberland comments that often something "Drives [Hotspur] beyond the bounds of patience" (1.3.198). This impulsiveness will ultimately be what destroys Hotspur, who is an antiquated form of nobility. What becomes obvious is that Hotspur not only lacks Hal's manipulation of language, but also his ability to take over the best features of other men, something Hal does to Hotspur when he is able to take the words out of his dying mouth in Act Five.

Act Two, Scene One

Two carriers are in an innyard in Kent yelling for the Ostler to come and get their horses for them. While they further complain about how terrible the fleas were in the tavern, Gadshill arrives and asks them for a lantern so he may find his horse. They refuse, correctly thinking he is a thief. They leave to find the Ostler, but Gadshill remains and calls for the Chamberlain.

The Chamberlain informs him that a wealthy small landowner is traveling through the area with three hundred marks in gold. Gadshill thanks him and offers him a small portion of the bounty once he and his friends have stolen it.

Act Two, Scene Two

Hal, Poins, Peto and Bardolph play a trick on Falstaff by stealing his horse and hiding it. Falstaff enters the stage and rails against them, saying he cannot walk more than a few yards without becoming tired, as a result of his being so overweight. They finally emerge, but make him remain standing rather then allowing him to mount his horse.

Gadshill arrives with the information that the travelers are directly behind him, with the money being taken to the king. Hal and Poins quickly get Falstaff to lead the other men in a frontal attack in the narrow lane, while together they hide in a lower lane. Thus, if anything goes wrong, Hal and Poins will be positioned to rob the travelers.

The travelers arrive shortly thereafter, and Falstaff attacks them. He soon seizes the gold and binds up the men, including the two carriers from the previous scene.

Act Two, Scene Three

Hal and Poins, hiding out close by, watch as Falstaff and the other three men decide to share the money amongst themselves. Together they leap out and demand the money from Falstaff, at which point the other three men run away. After a few blows Falstaff also runs away, leaving the money behind.

Act Two, Scene Four

Hotspur is reading a letter telling him that his rebellion against King Henry is too dangerous, and that the author of the letter will therefore not join him. His wife, Lady Percy, whom he addresses as Kate, enters the room. She asks her husband what he is so excited about, but he refuses to tell her, instead saying that he must leave on horseback that night.

Lady Percy presses her husband to tell her, but he only teases her. She finally gives up and agrees that whatever is making him leave must be out of necessity.

Act Two, Scene Five

Hal finds Poins and tells him he was speaking with some tapsters in the inn. He and Poins decide to have some fun with one of the tapsters, named Francis. Poins goes into another room and calls, "Francis," a signal that he wants the man to come and take his order. Hal meanwhile starts to question Francis, who is unable to go to Poins because it would be inexcusable to ignore the Prince of Wales.

Hal and Poins succeed in making poor Francis not know to which man he should go. The innkeeper enters and yells at Francis for doing such a poor job taking care of the guests. He then informs Hal that Falstaff and the other thieves have arrived.

Hal imitates Hotspur for a second, and decides it would be fun to make Falstaff pretend to be Lady Percy. However, Falstaff first is made to tell them the story of how he was robbed of the money. He pretends that he was attacked by a hundred men, and that after fighting for two hours he was finally overcome and had to run away.

Hal then asks Gadshill to tell him what really happened, and he informs them that after the thieves had bound over a dozen of the travelers, about six or seven other men attacked them and simultaneously set the travelers free. Against these odds they unfortunately were unable to succeed. Falstaff then stands up and claims to have fought at least fifty men during the fighting, and by the time he is done speaking he claims to have received over nine piercings.

Hal reveals the entire story to Falstaff, who immediately covers it up by claiming that he ran away to avoid harming the Prince Regent. A man sent by King Henry arrives at the pub, and Falstaff goes to find out what he wants. He then tells Prince Harry that his father wants to meet with him the next morning as a result of the trouble brewing in Scotland and Wales.

Falstaff and Hal then enact a play in which Falstaff is King Henry, meeting his son the next morning. Falstaff assumes his "throne," actually a wooden stool, and chastises his "son" for being a thief. He further tells Hal that the company he keeps is like tar, which defiles everything it touches. Falstaff's recommendation is for Hal to emulate his friend Falstaff, "for...I see virtue in his looks" (2.5.388). Hal is not at all pleased by this enactment of his father, and orders Falstaff switch places with him.

Hal immediately attacks Falstaff (now pretending to be Hal) for his acquaintance with an old man named Falstaff. Hal calls him several nasty names, including "that reverend Vice" (2.5.413). Falstaff, again playing Hal, begs the "king" to forgive Jack Falstaff. At the end of an eloquent speech, he says, "Banish not him thy Harry's company, Banish plump Jack, and banish all the world" (2.5.437-438).

Hal tellingly responds with, "I do; I will" (2.5.439). At that point the sheriff arrives with a large group of men to search the inn. Falstaff, upset that he is unable to continue defending himself, tells Hal, "Dost thou hear, Hal? Never call a true piece of gold a counterfeit - thou art essentially made, without seeming so" (2.5.449-450).

Taking charge of the situation, Hal tells the other men to hide upstairs, while Falstaff hides behind a tapestry. Hal then orders the hostess to let the sheriff into the inn. He tells the sheriff that Falstaff is not present, but that the money will be returned the next day for sure. The sheriff leaves, and Hal finds Falstaff sleeping behind the curtain. He tells Peto that the money must be returned with interest, and that for Falstaff he will procure an infantry command, which is a form of punishment since Falstaff cannot walk very well.

Analysis

The relationship between men and women is important in this play because there are so few women present. It is noteworthy that only the rebels have wives and daughters who make an appearance, whereas Hal and King Henry have no female influence in their lives. The effect of this situation is seen in the relationship between Lady Percy and Hotspur. Lady Percy, or Kate, begs Hotspur to stay with her and lead the quieter, domestic life. He refuses to do this and teases her into allowing him to go. Another telling scene occurs later on, in Act Three, Scene One, where the rebels all say goodbye to their wives. This contrasts highly with Hal and Henry, who have nothing preventing them from leaving home and destroying the insurrection.

Hal's command of language, and his ability to play any role, shines through in this act. He tells Poins that "I am so good a proficient in one quarter of an hour that I can drink with any tinker in his own language during my life" (2.5.15-16). It is this ability to imitate and assume the best characteristics of others which makes him able to defeat them.

Such imitation emerges only a few lines later, when Hal imitates Hotspur and his wife. Here the fact that Hotspur is married is contrived as a form of emasculation by Hal. He jokes about how Hotspur goes and kills Scots for breakfast, and how Lady Percy asks her husband how many he has killed that day. For Hal, the imitation is a sign that he already knows how to be Hotspur, and therefore also knows how to defeat him. Hal unique trait is to be able to play someone like Hotspur, but Hal can never be played by him.

Falstaff quickly emerges as the figure of Vice so common to the morality plays. The irony is that Vice was often conceived of as a thin character, not an incredibly fat old man. However, Shakespeare continuously reinforces the image of Falstaff as Vice, making him speak of using a dagger of lath, or a wooden dagger associated with Vice.

One of the most powerful scenes within Henry IV, Part One is where Falstaff and Hal pretend to be King Henry. Falstaff counterfeits the throne, but does such a poor job of imitating Henry that Hal asks him, "Dost thou speak like a king?" (2.5.394). Hal then removes Falstaff from the throne, to which Falstaff replies, "Depose me" (2.5.396).

The acting that follows serves to foreshadow a great deal of the future plot. Hal, pretending to be the king, delivers a speech which is scathing in its condemnation of Falstaff. Falstaff, taken aback, begs him, "Banish not him thy Harry's company, Banish plump Jack, and banish all the world" (2.5.437-438). Hal tellingly responds with, "I do; I will" (2.5.439).

These words of marriage, a solemn oath, represent the sacrifices a king must make. Hal fully plans to banish not only Falstaff when he becomes king, but also the rest of the world. This is a symbolic banishment, Hal is really saying that as king he cannot be friends with the likes of Falstaff, or with any man for that matter. Thus, he is forced to banish the world in order to reign supreme.

Falstaff is unable to stop defending himself, even when the sheriff arrives with a large group of men to search the inn. Falstaff tells Hal, "Dost thou hear, Hal? Never call a true piece of gold a counterfeit - thou art essentially made, without seeming so" (2.5.449-450). This line, so ambiguous in its meaning, is difficult to cipher. Falstaff may mean that he is a true piece of gold, a genuine man rather than a counterfeit, and that he should therefore not be turned over to the sheriff. Following in this vein, Falstaff further implies that Hal is a true prince, "essentially made," but pretending to be someone else.

Act Three, Scene One

The rebels are gathered in Glyndwr's castle where they look over a map of England, Scotland and Wales. Glyndwr tells Hotspur that he has magic powers, which is why King Henry has failed to defeat him, in spite of sending three armies into Wales already. Hotspur rejects this as nonsense, but is forced to remain friendly.

The men have divided the map into three parts, with England going to Mortimer, Scotland going to Hotspur, and Wales going to Glyndwr. Hotspur tries to argue over a piece of land which he feels he deserves, but Glyndwr refuses to allow it to him.

After all the preparations for battle are made, with the agreement that their armies will assemble near Shrewsbury, the men call in their wives to say goodbye. Mortimer must use Glyndwr as a translator, because he cannot understand his Welsh wife when she speaks to him. Hotspur and Lady Percy tease each other again, after which Hotspur departs to get to his army. The rest of the men follow him.

Act Three, Scene Two

King Henry and Hal meet together for the first time. Henry gives a long lecture to Hal about the trials and suffering he went through in order to seize the throne from Richard II. He ends up weeping about the fact that he loves his son Hal even though Hal seems so unfit for the throne. Hal replies, saying, "I shall hereafter, my thrice-gracious lord, / Be more myself" (3.2.92).

Henry then explains to Hal how his enemies have combined against him. He further indicates that Hotspur is considered a great warrior, and that against him Hal is nothing. Hal responds by telling his father that, "I will redeem all this on Percy's head, / ...when I will wear a garment all of blood" (3.2.132, 136). Henry decides to grant Hal a military command over one of the armies, and immediately has all of his men mobilizing towards Shrewsbury.

Act Three, Scene Three

Falstaff enters the inn where he had fallen asleep the day before. The Hostess demands that he pay her for the amount of credit he has accumulated, but Falstaff pretends that he was robbed the night before while asleep in her inn. She denies it, at which point Falstaff says that his ring was taken. The Hostess points out that the ring was made of copper, and therefore valueless.

Finally Prince Harry enters and confronts Falstaff with the fact that he was the one who stole the money from Falstaff's pockets. Hal tells them that he has also paid back the stolen golden marks, thereby saving Falstaff from being punished. When Falstaff protests, Hal tells him that, "I am good friends with my father, and may do anything" (3.3.166). Falstaff receives his infantry command, and Hal departs to go join his army.

Analysis

The meeting of the rebels in Wales gives the audience an insight into the character differences between these men and Hal. Wales is an area of the country which serves not only as a place of enchantment, but also as a place of unbridled emotions: Hotspur's irascible impatience, Glyndwr's pride, Mortimer and the Welsh woman's passion. The interaction between the rebels while at Glyndwr's castle shows the faults of each of them. Hotspur is too impatient, he would rather depart immediately, and in fact is the first man to leave. Glyndwr is convinced of his magical powers, and is insulted that Hotspur does not believe in his abilities. Mortimer has meanwhile become infatuated with a Welsh woman whom he cannot even understand when she speaks.

It is fascinating that this act marks the first meeting of Hal and King Henry. Shakespeare has had them allude to each other so many times that the audience can be forgiven for thinking they have already seen this scene. In fact, the audience already viewed Hal and Henry together, in the form of Falstaff and Hal.

Henry delivers a long speech which is designed to show his contempt for the way Hal has acted all these years. At the end of the first part of the speech, Hal tells Henry that he will now shed his previous role and start to act the part of heir to the throne. "I shall hereafter, my thrice-gracious lord, / Be more myself" (3.2.92). These words mark his move away from Falstaff, a move that will culminate in Falstaff's banishment in Part Two of the plays.

Hal gradually emerges not only as a consummate actor, but also as a savior, a Christ figure. "I will redeem all this on Percy's head, / ...when I will wear a garment all of blood" (3.2.132, 136). This statement derives from Revelation 19:13, where the King of Kings will wear a garment dipped in blood. The comparison with Christ is made more explicit by the fact that Hal spends time with the whores and thieves. In this role, Hal can be viewed as a man who must redeem England.

One of the lines which bears some examination is when Hal tells Falstaff, "I am good friends with my father, and may do anything" (3.3.166). This sentiment has not been expressed before, and indeed it is one of the few times that Hal refers to his royal rights as a justification for doing something. The question that arises is whether Hal and Henry really are good friends. Henry seems to be unsure of this fact, evidenced in the previous scene where he is unsure whether or not Hal can succeed in a battle. Hal, however, has no doubts that he and his father are friends, and it is likely that this knowledge derives from that fact that Hal understands his father far better than Henry understands Hal.

Act Four, Scene One

At the rebel camp near Shrewsbury, a messenger brings Hotspur news that his father is sick. This bodes poorly for the rebels, since they need the full support of Northumberland to maintain their military force. Additionally, Northumberland is needed to help lead the troops into battle, since his persona is well known and provides inspiration to the men.

Hotspur's cousin Vernon arrives with news that the king and young Hal are leading armies against the gathered forces. Hotspur is eager to meet Hal in battle, and comments that when they meet only one of them will survive. However, Vernon has even worse news in that Glyndwr is unable to assemble his army as fast as needed, and will be unlikely to join the rebels at Shrewsbury.

Act Four, Scene Two

Falstaff has assembled an array of troops who are mostly incompetent. In order to earn money for himself, he conscripted young lovers and men of some wealth who did not want to fight, and who were therefore willing to pay him a fee for being released from duty. The remainder of his infantry is mostly made up of former prisoners and other poor men.

Hal arrives, and wonders at the "pitiful rascals" (4.2.57). He tells Falstaff to hurry up and meet the army at Shrewsbury, where the king has already set up camp. Falstaff comments that he will arrive at the end of the fray, yet at the beginning of the feast, implying he will reap the spoils of the war for himself.

Act Four, Scene Three

Hotspur and Douglas are arguing with Vernon and Worcester about when to lead the battle charge. They want to attack that night already, but Vernon counsels them to wait until the next morning for reinforcements to arrive.

Sir Walter Blunt arrives as a messenger from King Henry. He begs the rebels to tell him what their grievance is, and says the king will make amends to them if their complaints are valid. Hotspur tells Blunt that Bolingbroke had only returned to England to reclaim his title to Lancaster, not to overthrow Richard II. Hotspur claims to recognize the claim to the throne made by the Earl of March. Blunt asks if that is the message he should take to Henry IV. Hotspur instead tells Blunt that his uncle Worcester will visit the king the next day, and that he will withdraw for a short while.

Act Four, Scene Four

The Archbishop of York is afraid that Hotspur will be unable to defeat King Henry. Since he is a part of the rebellion, the Archbishop is scared that Henry will come after him as soon as Hotspur loses. To protect himself, the Archbishop sends Sir Michael with letters to his close friends and noblemen, begging them for military support.

Analysis

The transition of Hal from a young madcap to a warrior prince is completed in this act. Vernon remarks to Hotspur that, "I saw young Harry with his beaver on / ...witch the world with noble horsemanship" (4.1.105,111). This marks the final break with his past for Hal, who now demonstrates horsemanship and military competence.

This is further evidenced by the disdain shown towards Falstaff when Hal encounters his mangy troops. He orders Falstaff to mobilize towards Shrewsbury at a faster rate, and remarks on the amount of money that Falstaff has stolen as a commander. No longer is Hal content to play the games that Falstaff enjoys, since the reality of the war is that men are going to be killed.

Act Five, Scene One

King Henry, surrounded by his assembled nobles, meets with Worcester. Worcester tells him that he would like to end this rebellion, but cannot since Henry broke his word by illegally seizing the throne. Hal steps forward and briefly praises Hotspur, after which he challenges Hotspur to a single combat. King Henry, knowing this would be dangerous but wishing the war could in fact end with only one man dying, says, "And, Prince of Wales, so dare we venture thee, / Albeit considerations infinite / Do make against it" (5.1.101-103). Henry then tells Worcester that he offers the rebels full pardon if they immediately decamp and return home.

Falstaff asks Hal to protect him in the battle. Hal tells him that it is impossible to protect someone as large as he, and that Falstaff "owest God a death" (5.1.126). Falstaff decides that dying for honor is a silly thing to do, and that he would rather live.

Act Five, Scene Two

Worcester tells Vernon that he will not tell Hotspur about the King's offer of pardon. He is afraid that, having been implicated as a traitor, Henry will destroy the rebels anyway at a later date. When Hotspur arrives, Worcester tells him that Henry is set on going to battle and that the king did not offer any mercy.

Worcester then tells Hotspur about Hal's offer to fight him in single combat. Vernon further informs Hotspur that Hal was very gracious and that he complimented Hotspur on his previous valor and success. Hotspur remarks that Vernon seems, "enamored," by Prince Harry.

Hotspur then delivers his speech to the troops as a way of rallying them, but comments that he is not gifted at making speeches. In the middle of his speech he is interrupted twice by messengers, one of whom informs the him that the king is approaching.

Act Five, Scene Three

Douglas and Blunt encounter each other on the battlefield. Blunt is dressed in the same clothes as King Henry, and pretends to be the king. Douglas remarks that the Lord of Stafford already was killed that day for also pretending to be the king, and after Blunt is killed, Hotspur arrives and identifies him as yet another counterfeiter. The men depart to continue fighting.

Falstaff arrives and comments on the fact that Blunt has already been killed. He wishes to run away from the battle, but Hal arrives and begs him to start fighting again. Falstaff refuses to draw his sword, and instead offers his pistol, which turns out to be a bottle of sack (liquor). Prince Harry says, "What, is it a time to jest and dally now?" (5.3.54) and throws the bottle at him.

Act Five, Scene Four

King Henry, Hal, John of Lancaster and Westmorland arrive and take a quick rest. Hal is wounded, but refuses to allow Lancaster to take him away from the battlefield. Lancaster and Westmorland depart to fight some more, leaving Prince Harry and Henry behind.

Douglas arrives at this moment and, seeing the king, says, "What art thou / That counterfeit'st the person of a king?" (5.4.26-27). Henry replies that he is the king himself, and that he will challenge Douglas directly. They start to fight, but Douglas still doubts that he is fighting the real king.

Prince Harry arrives and challenges Douglas in order to save his father, saying, "It is the Prince of Wales that threatens thee, / Who never promiseth but he means to pay" (5.4.41-42). Hal fights well enough that Douglas is forced to flee. King Henry comments that he was wrong to ever doubt his son, and leaves to find Nicholas Gawsey, one of his men.

Hal remains and Hotspur arrives to fight him. Prince Harry tells Hotspur that there is only room for one ruler of England, at which they start to fight. Falstaff sees them fighting and urges Hal on. However, Douglas returns and starts to battle with Falstaff, who falls down as if dead. Hal succeeds in killing Hotspur, who struggles to say some last words before dying.

He sees Falstaff, and laments the loss of his friend before leaving. Falstaff soon gets up and comments that he was forced to feign death in order to not be killed by Douglas. Spying Hotspur dead on the ground, he pulls out his sword and stabs the body. He then picks up Hotspur and starts to carry him away.

Hal and Lancaster arrive and see Falstaff leaving. Hal remarks that he killed Hotspur himself, but Falstaff immediately makes up a story about how both of them leapt to their feet the second Hal left the field. As proof, Falstaff points to the wound he made in Hotspur's thigh. Hal tells him that if lying is the way he wants to be rewarded, then he will not challenge him.

Act Five, Scene Five

King Henry, having won the battle, leads his prisoners onstage. He orders Vernon and Worcester put to death for failing to deliver his message of pardon to Hotspur. Prince Harry is given the right to deal with Douglas as he sees fit, at which point he pardons Douglas and gives him to his brother John of Lancaster's keeping. King Henry then divides his army into two parts, one part of which will march on York and attack the Archbishop, the other half of which will attack Wales.

Analysis

The fundamental difference between Hal and Hotspur emerges when Hotspur tries to rally his troops. The speech is a disaster, with Hotspur even admitting his inability to speak, "That I, that have not well the gift of tongue" (5.2.77). Not only are his words poorly chosen, but he is interrupted twice by messengers, making the speech a complete disaster with news of King Henry's imminent arrival.

The relationship between Falstaff and Hal comes to a breaking point while on the battlefield. Hal orders Falstaff to draw his sword and fight, an order which Falstaff refuses to obey. He instead pulls out a bottle of sack, at which Hal cries out, "What, is it a time to jest and dally now?" (5.3.54). The inability of Falstaff to realize the serious of the situation is marked by Hal throwing the bottle at his former friend.

Previously Hal was able to imitate Hotspur, an ability that emerges even more strongly when he kills Hotspur. Hotspur, mortally wounded, says "No Percy, thou art dust, / And food for -..." Trailing off, Prince Harry picks the very words out of Hotspur's mouth, saying, "For worms, brave Percy" (5.4.85-86). This can be understood in the sense that Hal has taken the best qualities of Hotspur for himself, and thus has been able to defeat Hotspur. It is further telling because of the relationship between the words "worms" and "words." Hotspur is left as food for worms, but he has died because he lacked words, which are Hal's strongest asset.

Douglas asks Henry, "What art thou / That counterfeit'st the person of a king?" (5.4.26-27). This question alludes to the fact that King Henry IV resorts to trickery and duplicity at the Battle of Shrewsbury in order to win the battle. His technique is remarkably similar to that of Henry VII in Richard III, when he too uses his noblemen as decoys to avoid getting killed himself. However, the use of multiple Henrys also indicates a fact about the play: the King can be multiplied and played by other characters.

The concept of using multiple kings shows up in Richard III, and as in that play is says a great deal about the character being imitated. Henry IV has now become impersonatable, meaning that he is no longer the only man who can be King of England. His position as a figure of rule and authority is severely undermined by the ability of other men to pretend to be him.

This is a problem which Hal does not have. As the young prince shows numerous times, he is able to be many people, but virtually no one is able to become him. This talent of his, allowing him to act out several parts, will make him a great king in the Machiavellian sense. This is a talent which Henry IV clearly lacks, since rather than defend himself by pretending to be someone else, he is forced to make others pretend to be him.

This use of multiple characters also ties into images of doubling. Characters who are doubled end up struggling to establish their own identity, as seen in the Comedy of Errors and in A Midsummer Night's Dream. This becomes relevant in the final words of the play, where Henry says "we divide our power." This line is not only literally true, i.e. he is splitting his army in half, but also figuratively. Henry has already split himself into many kings in order to win the battle, and his challenge will be to find a way of reunifying himself.

There is a frequent correlation in Shakespearian plays between the state of the king and the state of the country. Indeed, not only is England split but so is Henry. His final act of splitting the army into two parts is almost a symbolic recognition of England's divided nature. The psychological divide within Henry is that fact that he strives to attain the goal of a peaceful England, yet realizes that warfare is the only way to achieve this goal.

Hal's pardon of Douglas at the end of the play marks a shift in the way he will rule as king versus how Henry rules. Henry orders Vernon and Worcester to be put to death for their crimes, Hal instead chooses to take a risk and pardon his enemy. This relates to the fact that Hal is a redeemer of England, a role he can only play by creating peace. In pardoning Douglas, Hal shows not only great statesmanship, but also confidence in his own abilities to win Douglas' support in the future.

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• Summary and Analysis of Act 5
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