Henry IV part 1

I really enjoyed watching Henry IV part 1. King Henry IV who took the throne from Richard in Richard II is still king. His son, also named Henry but known as Hal, is a constant source of vexation for his father. He spends most of his time and most of the play in various public houses, carousing with various commoners. On the other hand Percy, known as Hotspur, the son of Northumberland is winning battles left and right and generally doing everything Henry wishes Hal would do. Hotspur, however, has a temper and it explodes when king Henry demands him to turn over some prisoners he has taken. He, together with his brother-in-law, who some see as Richard's rightful heir, mount a rebellion against Henry.

This play was not about Henry IV but about Hal. We find out early on that Hal plans to throw off his low habits and be the king when the time comes. However the tension of whether he is capable of this remains. Several things made it seem likely that he would be able to. Even when among the poor of the tavern he had an air of confidence so important for a king. Also when his friend is in trouble with the night watch he takes it upon himself to protect Falstaff by forcing the night watch to leave without searching the inn. Hal was interesting to watch and I found myself routing for him to take responsibility. His relationship with his father was another aspect that was well done. Henry berates Hal with a long tirade comparing Hal to Richard and Hotspur to himself.  Hal eventually responds by swearing to redeem himself by defeating Hotspur.

I will redeem all this on Percy's head
And in the closing of some glorious day
Be bold to tell you that I am your son;
When I will wear a garment all of blood
And stain my favours in a bloody mask,
Which, wash'd away, shall scour my shame with it:
And that shall be the day, whene'er it lights,
That this same child of honour and renown,
This gallant Hotspur, this all-praised knight,
And your unthought-of Harry chance to meet.

He shows that despite everything his father's approval is important to him. His father in return immediately put's him in charge of a large portion of the army and Hal does not disappoint. He challenges Hotspur to single combat and when they find each other on the battle field he declares that he will no long suffer Percy's rebellion.

I am the Prince of Wales; and think not, Percy,

To share with me in glory any more:

Two stars keep not their motion in one sphere;

Nor can one England brook a double reign,

Of Harry Percy and the Prince of Wales.

I suppose that the one thing that bothered me in all this is that Hal's journey to responsibility was all about his own glory and possibly his father's approval. It had nothing to do with his duty to or love for the people of the country. Although Hal spends all of his waking hours drinking with the middle/lower classes, he clearly considers them beneath him and does not seem to feel that he owes them anything as king. 

Hotspur was another interesting character and the actor did a great job of portraying his temper, his love for his wife, and his courage. I pretty much knew that things would end badly for him but I kept hoping that somehow he would make peace if only for his wife's sake. 

Watching the Hollow Crown it was refreshing to see a Shakespeare production with an actual budget behind it. I recognized several of the actors (prince Hal was Loki) and they had a fairly realistic battle scene. I was a bit disappointed that the actors were different from Richard II; it had been twenty or so years but some of them looked totally different.  I'm looking forward to the next part of this story.

I watched the Hollow Crown