Henry Iv Part Two
(William Shakespeare)
After the tumultuous activities in Henry IV Part One, we see the rebels who encroach upon the kingdom of Henry IV disperse and the return of Hal, Henry IVs prodigal son, to the fold. Hal has won acclaim in battle by defeating the rebels and killing their leader, Hotspur in the previous play. Henry IV, after all his battles is now ailing fast and dying in England. He is trying to secure the kingdom as best he can for his son, who has now returned to him in his hour of need. The rebels have convened in the North, trying to decide what to do after the loss of their leader. They meet with the English forces, led by Prince John, to negotiate a peace. They are offered safety if they leave with their armies and are promised a voice with the king to hear their wishes. However, this is all merely an underhand plot by Prince John and the rebels, after they have disbursed the army, are arrested and executed for treason. Back at the court, the King is fading fast. He has news of the death of the final rebel leader, the Welshman Owen Glendower. Henry also hears of the final defeat of the northern rebels and their army. He feels that his kingdom is becoming secure at last and offers a complete reconciliation with his son, Hal. After Henry IV dies, and Hal becomes king, the former prodigal son?s old friends come to the palace looking for favor from their new king. Hal, who cavorted with drunkards and thieves in his youth, used to promise the men, especially Falstaff, that once he was king he would help them and give them many gifts. However, now that he has been reconciled with his father, Hal has matured and is renouncing his wayward past. When Falstaff comes to the palace seeking rewards from the new king, Hal rejects him for the final time, thus entering a new stage in his life. Henry IV Part Two is one of the great history plays of Shakespeare. The second part of a series of three, including Henry IV Part One and then the triumph of Hal, who now has become King Henry in Henry V. Through these plays we see the evolution of Hal from spoiled rich child to noble war-like King. Henry IV Part Two shows the return to balance in the kingdom and among the people. Henry IV and his son become reunited. Hal gains maturity and wisdom and Henry is able to die knowing that he is leaving the kingdom in good hands. The rebels are disbursed, and Lady Percy, Hotspur?s wife, is able to convince her father, the Earl of Northumberland, to leave the waging wars and bury his grievances with his dead son. The play ends with a restoration of goodness and nobility in the kingdom and the final rejection of the negative forces at play, such as the rebels and Falstaff.
Resumos Relacionados
- Henry Iv, Part I
- Henry V
- King Henry V
- Richard Ii
- A Man For All Seasons
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