Henry IV, Part Two (Bantam Classic)

Henry IV Part 2 Questions

Join the discussion about Henry IV Part 2 by asking a new question or answering an existing question.

in what way is henry iv a play about atonement?

 

arthur b #63327
Sep 04, 2008 9:03 PM

Report abuse

in what way is henry iv a play about atonement?

what are some of the ways that characters atone for their past actions in henry iv, part 2?

Answer this question

 

jill d #170087
Nov 04, 2011 10:37 PM

Report abuse

The sin that lay most heavily on Henry was the murder of Richard II, and his usurpation of the throne. Richard II's executers remain unknown, but it is widely believed that after taking control and having Richard imprisoned, Henry took the final step by ordering his death. For atonement, Henry's greatest dream is to take up the cross and go on crusade to the Holy Land, but conditions in England make it impossible.

Hal, Henry IV's heir, on the other hand leads quite a life. Having spent most of his young adulthood in the company thieves and prostitutes, Hal promises his father on his deathbed that he will be a great king; he does the same for those assembled at his coronation. Hal is determined that his reign will atone for his past.

Source(s): Henry IV

 

Join for free to answer this question.

Existing Users

New Users

Must contain six characters and at least one digit.

Henry IV Part 2 Essays and Related Content