Enric IV : primera part

The Folger Library deserves a lot of praise for the quality of this ebook edition of this Shakespeare classic with easily accessed footnotes provided in a form that does not distract from the text. Even the typical Foger essays are better in this edition than in most others in their series.

This was the first time I had read Henry IV, part 1 and now understand why it is such a favorite. Knowing Falstaff only from the later works, Falstaff in part 1 is shown to be a brilliant comic character. Hotspur, on the other hand, shows himself to be a poor leader with weak judgement leading to his eventual destruction. In contrast, Prince Hal shows qualities that will make him a fine leader.

One of the themes of the play fits well with the current political landscape since it deals with the presentation of alternate facts about events and the nature of truth.

The play is rich in characters and themes that will allow it to be read with pleasure many times. ( )

Still one of my most favorite histories, or at least part one of perhaps three. ;)

Our favorite wastrel, Prince Henry, Hal to his friends, a drunkard, a thief, the bosom buddy of dear fat old Falstaff, hides his bright sun behind vile clouds so as to shine all the brighter when his day finally arrives.

In here, of course, we establish the lout with a sharp mind and careful cunning, dissembling for all to see but careful of the long game. When his his father sore needs his son's aid, Hal comes to the rescue, throwing off all such base clouds, or as little as need be, to ensure both his father and the close court of his worthiness, and he does so with flying colors, killing the most worthy night in England, the poor Percy of the Hot Blood, and so restoring both his honor and his valor in both word and deed.

This, of course, is just the prelude. The foreshadowing. The stage upon such things as the Ides of March are set.

Ever since I first read this, I've always called such low tides in men "The Hal Effect".

"Let no one expect shit of thee, and when the time draws neigh, toot your horn and shock the living hell out of them."

;)

Seriously, Shakespeare? Who knew that when Will Shook his Spear, he'd ever have so much to say? ;) ( )

No. 18 in The People's Penny Shakespeare, this slim paperback has been used for a performance, intended for the person playing Hotspur. Pencil annotations on the cover suggest this and even the name of the actor, perhaps Miss Rucker - in pencil, with date 9/2/01, 7.30. Some redaction of text has been applied though crossings out and sticky paper.

2019 (link goes to a LibraryThing page with the review)
https://www.librarything.com/topic/301619#6776825 ( )

Just reread this after finishing Richard II. I will move on to part 2 immediately. Interesting analysis by Folger of the Falstaff character. ( )