ENGL 017 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Henry Iv, Part 1, Artistic License, Eastcheap
Document Summary
Tetralogy: four distinct plays that are grouped together. Richard ii, henry iv part i, henry iv part ii, henry v. Elizabeth i ruled no one could dramatize current politics. Playwrights used the past to comment on the present. Always center on transfer of power (a) historical. Shakespeare made handful of nobles rebel because they were power hungry. Hotspur is younger to contrast with hal in father plot. Plays out in typical prodigal son plot. Debacle with father emphasizes the anxiety around regime change. So, when this loose behaviour i throw off. By so much shall i falsify men"s hopes; And like bright metal on a sullen ground, Shall show more goodly and attract more eyes. Than that which hath no foil to set it off. I"ll so offend to make offence a skill, Redeeming time when men think least i will. He"ll throw off his loose behavior when the time is right and rule as a good king.
