“Why, thou owest God a death.”
To what extent do religion and morality influence the actions of the characters in
Henry IV, Part 1?
Shakespeare explores the qualities that are desirable in a ruler throughout the play.
Discuss.
Part of the conflict between Prince Hal and his father occurs because they are so similar.
Do you agree?
The play explores the relationship between public and private personas.’
Discuss.
At the centre of this play is Henry’s doubt about his own right to the crown.
Discuss.
Falstaff embodies the idea of freedom in the play.
Do you agree?
Shakespeare concludes that honour comes before individual safety.
Do you agree?
Hotspur is the most honest character in the play.
Discuss.
Prince Hal is a calculating and manipulative character.
Do you agree?
Is Henry a corrupt despot or a good king trying to hold on to power?
Most of the characters in the play see themselves as actors.
Discuss.
Hal is surrounded by figures who influence his development. From whom does he learn the most?
In
Henry IV Part 1 the needs of the country are shown to count for more than the needs of individuals. Discuss.
The fathers in
Henry IV Part 1 are defined more by their shortcomings than by their virtues.’ How effective are the father figures in the play?
Hotspur is the most honest character in the play.
Discuss.
Prince Hal is a calculating and manipulative character.
Do you agree?
Is Henry a corrupt despot or a good king trying to hold on to power?
Falstaff is the true hero of the play.
Discuss.
Prince Hal develops a range of unconventional skills that will enable him to become a wise and effective ruler. Is this how you see Hal’s experiences in the play?
Hal is like any ordinary young man who is struggling to live up to parental expectations. Discuss.
Falstaff fosters his friendship with Hal in the hope that he will be able to influence the Prince when he becomes King. Is Falstaff motivated purely by self-interest?
Falstaff feigns death on the battlefield, then defends himself by saying, “The better part of valour is discretion.” Is Falstaff’s idea of valour supported by the play as a whole?
Part of the conflict between Prince Hal and his father is because they are so similar.’ Do you agree?
At the centre of this play is Henry’s doubt about his own right to the crown. Discuss.
Most of the characters in the play see themselves as actors. Discuss.
Hal says to Falstaff, “Thou art not what thou seemest.” Are any of the characters truly what they ‘seem’ to others?
Falstaff embodies the idea of freedom in the play. Do you agree?
The play shows the disorder and conflict that result when society’s rulers are driven by greed and ambition. Discuss.
The play explores the relationship between public and private personas. Discuss.
'"Banish plump Jack, and banish all the world"
Despite his many negative qualities, Falstaff is the most appealing character in the play.
Do you agree?
If a ruler is corrupt then it is acceptable to rebel against his power.
To what extent does the play endorse this notion?
Falstaff not only brings wit and comedy to
Henry IV Part 1, he also serves other vital functions. Discuss.
In such a patriarchal play, it is not surprising that the relationship between fathers and sons is a key theme. Discuss.
Falstaff is more open about his intentions than any other character in the play.
Discuss.
Despite the play's title, King Henry actually has very little role in the play.
Discuss.
Henry IV Part 1 warns against the dangers of rebelling against a monarch. How does the play deliver this warning?
The father figures in
Henry IV Part 1 are defined more by their shortcomings than by their virtues. Do you agree?
Prince Hal is nothing if not calculating and manipulative. Discuss.
Hal's greatest struggly is living up to the expectations of his father. To what extent do you agree?
Part of the conflict between Prince Hal and his father occurs because they are so similar. Do you agree?
Most of the characters in
Henry IV Part 1 see themselves as actors. Discuss.
Henry IV Part 1 explores the relationship between public and private personas. Discuss.
“[T]hou art only marked/For the hot vengeance and the rod of heaven./ To punish my mistreadings.”
To what extent is Henry responsible for the corruption in his kingdom?
Legitimacy as a ruler is not only a concern of King Henry’s, but of the play as a whole.
Discuss. {engage education A}
“I shall think the better of myself, and thee, during my life – I for a valiant lion, and thou for a true prince.”
What roles does Falstaff perform within the context of
Henry IV Part 1? {engage education A}
What is the significance of low status characters in
Henry IV Part 1? {engage education B}
In what ways and to what end does Shakespeare use symmetry in
Henry IV Part 1? {engage education B}
The greatest challenge to the rulers of
Henry IV Part 1 is finding a balance between their power and their humanity.
To what extent do you agree? {engage education C}
What comment does Shakespeare make about the journey of adolescents to maturity in
Henry IV: Part 1? {engage education C}
There is so much deceptive behaviour in
Henry IV Part 1 that it is difficult for the audience to trust any of the characters.
Do you agree? {engage education D}
In what ways and for what purpose does Shakespeare draw parallels between the low class world of Eastcheap and the high class world of the court in
Henry IV: Part 1? {engage education D}
"...sweet Jack Falstaff, kind Jack Falstaff, true Jack Falstaff, caliant Jack Falstaff..."
Falstaff is many things, but none of those that he presents himself as.
Discuss. {engage education E}
What significance does magic and belief in magic hold for the characters of
Henry IV: Part 1? {engage education E}
lauren's 2014 exam
Exam 1:
i. There are more role-players than roles in
Henry IV Part 1. Discuss.
OR
ii. "I, by looking on the praise of him, See riot and dishonour stain the brow Of my young Harry."
King Henry is a better monarch than he is a father. Do you agree?
Exam 2:
i. “I live out of all order, out of all compass.” To what extent is this true of Falstaff?
OR
ii. The world of
Henry IV Part 1 is more stable at the start of the play than at the end. Discuss.
Exam 3:
i. Hal emerges as the play’s hero because he has youth and time on his side. Discuss.
OR
ii. “I would ‘twere bed time, Hal, and all well.”
The main question of
Henry IV Part 1 is not where Hal's loyalties lie, but where they audience's sympathies lie. Discuss.
lauren's 2015 exams
Exam 1
i. Hal's relationship with Falstaff is solely and exploitative one. Discuss.
OR
ii.
Henry IV Part 1 is a play of symmetries. Discuss.
Exam 2
i. How does
Henry IV Part 1 show the importance of planning and foresight?
OR
ii. In this play, the ability to control language is the most crucial factor in the characters' successes. Do you agree?
Exam 3
i. "I would to God, thou and I knew where a commodity of good names were to be bought."
To what extent do the characters' reputations in
Henry IV Part 1 define them?
OR
ii. "Sir John stands to his word, the devil shall have his bargain; for he was never yet a breaker of proverbs: he will give the devil his due.”
Hal is not the only character who keeps his promise and accomplishes what he sets out to do. Do you agree?
Exam 4
i. King Henry seems like a much less capable king compared to his son. Do you agree?
OR
ii. The characters who succeed in the society of
Henry IV Part 1 are those who understand why image is so important. Discuss.
VCAA
2012:
i. “Thou art not what thou seemest.”
Playing a part is the only way to gain power in Henry IV, Part I.
Discuss.
OR
ii. Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Part I explores what it means to be an honest and honourable man.
Discuss.
i. It is in the prince’s generosity of spirit that we see the beginnings of true kingship.
Do you agree?
OR
ii. The play shows that there are many ways of being a rebel.
Discuss.
2014:
i.
Henry IV Part 1 is about the need for order, or at least the appearance of order.
Discuss.
OR
ii. It is through Falstaff that the play's most powerful insights are offered.
Do you agree?
2015:
i. Hal is a disappointment, both as a son as a prince. Discuss.
OR
ii. How is the idea of leadership explored in
Henry IV Part 1?
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