The Hollow Crown: Henry IV - Part I and Part II

     Redemption is truly a theme in this continuing story of Henry Bolingbroke, now the crowned Henry IV. King Henry seeks redemption from wrongs committed years ago. Meanwhile, his careless son must learn how to redeem his seedy life if only to make his father proud of him. Fathers and sons do play a strong part in The Hollow Crown. Some relationships are close, while others are stormy and complicated. One son carry's his family honor with fire, while another disregards it. One father wrings his hands in despair, while another glows with pride. 

     Fathers and sons. The never ending story of the past vs. the present, with no assurance of a hopeful future.

Henry IV - Part I

by William Shakespeare

Setting: England, 15th Century

Primary Characters

King Henry IV: Formerly Henry Bolingbroke. A wise king. Loving father. In despair for his eldest son's behavior. 

Prince Henry//Harry or Hal: The unruly Prince of Wales. Disrespectful of his father and the throne. Prefers to spend his time at The Boar's Head, a shady tavern in Cheapside, London. Heavily influenced by John "Jack" Falstaff. Fears becoming king.

Henry/Harry "Hotspur" Percy: A nobleman well known for his fierce fighting. Temperamental. Passionate. Close to his father and family.

Sir John "Jack" Falsaff: A former nobleman turned lowlife. Drunkard, philanderer and gambler. Friends with Prince Hal. 

~ ~ ~

     Ten years after assuming the crown and throne of England, Henry IV, formerly Henry Bolingbroke has ruled well. However, he feels his age slowly coming upon him and is unsure as to where the future of the throne is going. His oldest son, Prince Henry or known as Hal/Harry is wild, rebellious and wastes his time at The Boar's Head in Cheapside. While Hal is by no means cruel or malicious, his recklessness is becoming his father's bane. Hal has the charisma of a young prince, but lacks the wisdom and responsibility of a true king. His younger brother, John, is becoming a better candidate for the throne for than himself.

     Meanwhile, another son is beginning to make a name for himself. Harry "Hotspur" Percy, son of Northumberland lands himself in trouble with King Henry. Harry Percy demands that the king do right by his own family and pay off his cousin's debt. King Henry refuses and therefore sets off both Hotspur and his father. Despite Harry Percy's rage against him, Henry can't help but admire his devotion to his family and is envious that Northumberland should have so loyal a son, while his own, the future of England, brings nothing but shame.

     Hal is unfortunately under the influence of Sir John Falstaff. An amoral drunkard who enjoys fun, revelry and no small amount of illegal activity. Around Falstaff, Hal shows nothing but contempt and disrespect toward his father and the throne. Finally Henry has had enough with  Hal and says that he  believes Harry Percy to be a better and more noble son than his own. Enraged by this confession, Hal swears to his father and before God that he would go to battle and fight Harry Percy himself, if only to win his father's respect

     Soon, Henry and Hal set off to fight Harry Percy and Northumberland. They are unexpectedly followed by Falstaff, who actually shows some moderate skill in battle. Hal and Percy finally fight off against one another; and while Hal defeats him (despite a a deep shoulder injury) he is saddened that his victory should come at Percy's death. The King and the Prince of Wales reunite in their victory together, but Henry now knows that his days on the throne are beginning to diminish. 

End of Part I

~ ~ ~

Henry IV - Part II

     After the defeat of Hotspur, Prince Hal is now starting to see his former life in a very different light. His wasteful years in the taverns and not in the throne room, his admiration for Falstaff instead of his own great father and his running away from his birthright instead of preparing for it. Slowly Hal begins to distant himself from the people of Cheapside and gives a good deal of time and attention to bettering himself for his future on the throne.

     Hal's change couldn't come at a better time. Henry's health is getting worse and he is trying to hold out long enough for Hal to finally be ready to assume his rightful role as king. If Henry could die in peace, knowing that his son is ready to be king, then all has been made well in life. Meanwhile, Falstaff is honored and rewarded for his duty in battle and wastes no time in prancing about Cheapside. He begins to cause trouble among the residents of The Boar's Head and eventually throughout the countryside. 

     In his last final hours, Henry converses with his oldest the duty and responsibility of being king. How heavy is the head that wears the crown. Although frightened and unsure, Hal is more determined than ever to make his father proud. Upon King Henry's death, the young prince Hal has grown up and takes the title of Henry V, King of England. He cuts all ties with Falstaff and begins to clean up his country starting with the raiding and arrests of The Boar's Head Tavern and ending its illegal activity.

(There were several other stories going on including the aftermath of Harry Percy's death and some brave deeds done by Prince John, Hal's brother, but I wanted to focus on the primary story of King Henry and his son)