King Henry IV, Part 2

King Henry IV, Part 2 by William Shakespeare
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An uneven play probably written to cash in on the popularity of Falstaff, recycling scenes that were cut from Henry IV before it became part one, and perhaps also using some scenes originally intended for Henry V. Inevitably less cohesive, and while Falstaff’s self-interested schemes and the wider political conspiracies rarely intersect, there are patterns between them. The personification of Rumour introduces the play, and the preponderance of false reports dominate the plot, not least Falstaff’s reputation for heroism at the Battle of Shrewsbury – a theme that casts doubt on the overall project of narrative history. Falstaff is an irresponsible rogue, but the political machinations of the king and the prince are also somewhat grubby.

The play is at its most interesting in how Henry IV reflects on his usurpation, revealing the thinking that was denied to the audience in Richard II. Bolingbroke’s rise was carefully stage-managed, much like the swift reformation of Prince Henry when he inherits the crown. Despite their antagonism, father and son are shown to be master manipulators, and remarkably alike. Falstaff can only be his irrepressible self, his lies are so outrageous they are immediately seen through. That simplicity might be what was so attractive to the Prince. But his comedic, anti-historical spirit must be banished at the end for the history to continue.

View all my reviews