Henry IV Part One (1596-7)
Introduction Many of Shakespeare’s history plays shine a detailed light on the failings of the ruling class. Often, with weakness at the centre, the rest of the governing elite breaks down into little more than a struggle for personal advantage. “Richard II”, which is the prequel to this play, is a good example of this. […]
Henry IV Part Two (1597-8)
Introduction Many of Shakespeare’s plays feature antagonism between fathers and daughters. Most often this theme is explored in the Comedies (like “Much Ado About Nothing” or “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”) but it also emerges in more serious texts like “Romeo and Juliet” and “Othello”. “Henry IV Part Two” features a sobering relationship between a […]