Analysis

I found this on the internet while researching about King Henry IV: Part I.

1 Henry IV has been called Shakespeare's greatest history play. Its flawlessly constructed characters and overt political message have been the subjects of countless scholarly books. Two worlds collide in the play -- the world of the recently elected King Henry IV and his advisors, and the world of thieving revelers who spend their days at the pub in Eastcheap. Bridging the gap between the two is Hal, the King's son, who travels in the company of Falstaff and the other commoners at the Boar's Head Tavern, but who really does so as part of his unique and unorthodox plan to prepare for the throne. Although the title of the play is named after Henry IV, he is but a minor character in the drama. King Henry's primary role in the play is to illustrate the fate of one who takes a crown that is not rightfully his by divine ordinance. King Henry is politically shrewd -- in this respect he is the antithesis of his predecessor, Richard II. King Henry has all the characteristics of a great Machiavellian despot, and were this enough, he would be the consummate ruler and have a peaceful reign. But, unfortunately, Henry IV comes to the throne as a usurper and an illegitimate monarch. He does not have the Divine Right of Kings and, moreover, he is responsible for the death of God's anointed Richard. Because of these factors, Henry's ability to rule is diminished, and instability plagues England. For a very detailed analysis of this aspect of the play, please visit the sources section.

For more genral analysis on King Henry IV: Part I, check out this website.

Plot Summary and Character Descriptions

If perhaps any of you are finding King Henry IV, Part I a more difficult read than the other plays, have no fear. Here is a link to character descriptions. Just in case you are struggling with the main plot here is the link to this summary. Hope these help you!

Berkshire Review

In the midst of my exploration in internet limbo for more information on King Henry IV, Part I, I stumbled across an interesting website called curtainup.com. Here was a collage of interpretation to interest any Shakespearean soul. Check it out here.