Henry IV, Part 2

Henry IV, Part 2 is the only Shakespeare play that is a "sequel," in the modern sense, to an earlier play of his. Like most sequels, it repeats many elements from the previous work, Henry IV, Part 1. This play again puts on stage Henry IV's son, Prince Hal, who continues to conceal his potential greatness by consorting with tavern dwellers, including the witty Sir John Falstaff.

As in Part 1, Prince Hal and Falstaff seek to best each other in conversation, while Falstaff tries to ingratiate himself with Hal and Hal disdains him. Part 2 adds some fresh characters, the rural justices Shallow and Silence and Shallow’s household. Political rebellion, while important to the plot, does not loom as large as in Part 1. There are no glorious champions; combat is replaced by deception, cunning, and treachery.

Shakespeare probably wrote Henry IV, Part 2, in 1597 or 1598, not long after he wrote Part 1. It was published in 1600 as a quarto. Among the sources are Raphael Holinshed’s Chronicles, an early play, The Famous Victories of Henry V, and other historical works.

Early editions

First Folio

LUNA: First Folio: f6v - 2g8v

Hamnet: STC 22273 Fo. 1 no. 68

Second Folio

LUNA: Second Folio: f6v - i2v

Hamnet: STC 22274 Fo. 2 no. 07

Quarto b

LUNA: Quarto b (1600)

Hamnet: STC 22288a Copy 1

Modern editions

Henry IV, Part 2 can be read online with Folger Digital Texts and purchased from Simon and Schuster.

Hamnet link to Folger Edition: PR2753 .M6 2003 copy 2 v.10

Notes

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