Enric IV : segona part

Even after watching the Hollow Crown I couldn't bring myself to really get engaged with the characters in this play. I guess the story is about the changing monarchy and the lack of stability in the English Crown, but absolutely none of the characters are sympathetic. Even the dashing rogue Prince Hal is eventually gutted by his sense of duty, and it's not even a willing acceptance and rising to the occasion so much as a resignation and betrayal of his friends. Though they don't seem much like actual friends, because they do little in the way of encouraging his better character, speak ill of him behind his back, and plan to ride his coattails straight into a lordship... Maybe the last play in this set will elevate Henry V to a better kingship, but my bet is on him further weakening the Crown by foolish military action in preparation for the Yorkist/Tudor rebellions. ( )

Having just finished the excellent Folger e-book for Henry IV, part 1, I found their edition of Henry IV, part 2 disappointing. The footnotes were poor, with footnotes provided for things that did not need any clarification while omitting footnotes where an explanation would have been useful.

The play itself is also less interesting than Henry IV, part 1 with less drama and fewer themes worth following. Part 2 has a bigger role for Falstaff who becomes less attractive upon acquaintance. Part 2 also spends a lot more time with the the humerous Eastcheap characters. ( )

I can't consider these plays as solitary occasions. I'm all teary-eyed.

Who knew I could shed tears for poor old Falstaff, even now? I mean, sure, he's a fool and a rascal and incorrigible, but at the core of it, he and Hal were friends, weren't they?

And yet, even while I hate Hal a little for his decision, I love him all the more for it and everything else. Truly, he was the best king. Not only very aware of his audience, but always playing to every side, learning the craft of people and of hard decisions.

Then again, he's always known about hard decisions and all of this couldn't have been more studied and careful. Even his jests boast of tactical genius.

Fanboy? Yeah. I am. Of a character. lol

Still, it was a rather heart-wrenching scene with the prince and his father at the end. *sniffle*

Sorry. I just love these plays so much. ( )

2019
https://www.librarything.com/topic/306026#6813437 ( )

I had marked this as read in 2010, but I had not read it until now. The change in character of Prince Hal as he assumes the role of Henry V surprised me as I did not know the history. Of course those viewing the play when it was written would have known the ending. I will continue on now, and read Henry V. ( )