Henry IV Part 1

Description: Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Part 1 focuses on familial relationships. One father-son pair is King Henry IV and Prince Hal. Hal’s dissolute life and roguish friends cause his father to despair. Hotspur, Lord Henry Percy, and his father, the Earl of Northumberland, form the second father-son pair. King Henry IV envies Northumberland’s relationship with his son and even wishes he could claim the gallant Hotspur as his own child. Meanwhile, Prince Hal has entered into a quasi-father-son relationship with Sir John Falstaff, a disreputable, drunken, dishonest, and amusing knight. As Hotspur leads a rebellion against the king, Prince Hal brings his riotous time to an end, makes amends with his father, and valiantly leads his troops in the battle of Shrewsbury.

Workload and Assessment: This class can either be taken as enrichment or for credit. Students wishing to earn 1/4 credit for the course will be assessed by attendance and participation, and the successful completion of a 7-8 page essay.

Grade Level: 9+

Prerequisites: None.

Required Materials: Henry IV Part 1 Set and Student Guide Students will also need a USB headset (built-in microphones also work). *Teacher Manual is optional. Can be helpful for spot-checking.