49 pages • 1 hour read
William ShakespeareHenry IV, Part 1
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1597A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Act IVChapter Summaries & Analyses
Act IV, Scene 1 Summary
The rebels Hotspur, Worcester, and Douglas meet in their camp near Shrewsbury. They learn from a messenger that Hotspur’s father, Northumberland, is grievously sick and cannot come. Hotspur and Worcester are dismayed: Northumberland’s absence may be a grievous blow to their campaign. Douglas and Hotspur agree to stake their fortune on one great campaign against Henry, but Worcester is doubtful. Northumberland’s absence might be mistaken as his withdrawing support from the rebels. Hotspur responds that it may make people think the rebels do not need Northumberland’s forces, making them seem even stronger.
Sir Richard Vernon enters, bringing news of the movements of the king’s armies. The king’s forces number 30,000. To make matters worse for the rebels, Vernon reports that Glendower has been delayed. Despite these setbacks, Hotspur is eager to meet Prince Hal in battle.
Act IV, Scene 2 Summary
Falstaff was given £350 to raise a regiment of soldiers. He kept the money and took bribes from wealthy citizens to avoid conscription. In their place, he conscripted beggars, criminals, and prisoners.
Prince Hal and the Earl of Westmoreland meet Falstaff on the road near Coventry. They criticize the poor outfitting of Falstaff’s rag-tag group, but they all are urgently needed in Shrewsbury.
Act IV, Scene 3 Summary
In the rebel camp, Hotspur tells Worcester, Douglas, and Vernon that he wants to attack that night. Vernon and Worcester advise against it; their forces are not yet prepared, and their horses are tired. Douglas sides with Hotspur, urging them to act now.
Blunt enters with an offer from the king. Henry wishes to hear the rebels’ grievances, and if possible, address them. He is willing to pardon them if they stand down. Blunt encourages Hotspur to take the deal. Hotspur decides to take the night to think it over. He will send Worcester with his answer tomorrow.
Act IV, Scene 4 Summary
At his palace in York, the Archbishop discusses the upcoming battle with his associate, Sir Michael. He worries for Hotspur, especially since Glendower decided not to join due to his belief in prophecies. Even Mortimer failed to show up. The archbishop must prepare in case the rebels fail—the king knows he aided the rebellion.
Act IV Analysis
Hearing of Prince Hal’s sudden transformation presses on Hotspur’s own sense of honor; the two Harrys are destined to meet in battle. As the final conflict approaches, Northumberland is ill and unable to amass an army to join Hotspur, Worcester, and Douglas. Glendower, too, proves to be an unreliable ally; true to his nature, he interprets certain prophecies as a reason to back out at the last minute. This leaves the rebels in a precarious situation because they know the king knows their plans. Hotspur and Douglas, also true to their natures, wish to press their luck.
The rebels repeat their grievances toward Henry when Blunt arrives at their camp with a peace offer from the king. Hotspur reminds Blunt that his family supported Henry when he returned from France and helped elevate him to kingship. Now, the king seems to have forgotten their support, punishing Worcester by expelling him from his council and denying Hotspur the full enjoyment of his military achievements. But the biggest source of friction between the Lancaster family and the Percy family is Mortimer: Northumberland can attest that King Richard II named Mortimer his heir. His presence is a danger to Henry’s right to rule. If the rebels succeed, they may restore the Plantagenet dynasty with Mortimer as king.
Despite the growth of his character, Prince Hal’s decision to make Falstaff an officer and trust him to recruit men to fight for the king calls the prince’s judgment into question. He either trusts Falstaff, who is a known liar and thief, or sending him into battle, old and overweight as he is, is a final prank at Falstaff’s expense. Either way, Falstaff remains true to his character, recruiting men he knew would bribe him to avoid being drafted. Instead, he recruits a ragtag group of inept soldiers, mainly prisoners and beggars, unfit for war. When Hal comments on the sad state of his regiment, Falstaff replies, “Tut, tut, good enough to toss; food for powder, / food for powder. They’ll fill a pit as well as / better. Tush, man, mortal men, mortal men” (4.2.66-68). This is the lowest point for Falstaff’s character. He has no qualms about consigning 150 men to death and profiting from it.
Related Titles
By William Shakespeare
