Henry IV Part 1 by William Shakespeare

Continuing my reading of Shakespeare I picked this history to try. Shakespeare is not easy and as you read it sometimes you wonder if it is worth the struggle. Yet when you have fought through and finished you realize that the story told was well worth hearing.

Wishing to continue the tale with part 2 I now realize that Shakespeare's histories are if not written in chronological order would be best read so. So now before I move on to Part 2 of Henry IV I am going to go back to the beginning and start with King John

In the story which I have read we meet some characters that still are culturally significant, the most notable perhaps that of John Falstaff the rogue who Henry the IV slums with before he decides to be a responsible member of the Royal family.

In this we see King Henry IV beset by an army attacking as well as some disgruntled Lords and Earls joining the fray.

Falstaff and is lies and protestations offer a humorous outtake from the true story of the battle to be fought and Henry the V, Prince Hal as his known grows into himself and makes his father proud.

As the story ends more battles loom as the war of succession is not complete but one thing we can be sure of is that Shakespeare will tell it well.

These works are not for the easily discouraged but there is a story underneath them that would tell just as well today as over 500 years ago. Digging for it makes it read even better when it all comes together.

Occasinally a quote is found that rings true and could be used as easily today as then. One is " Why, thou owest God a death " a statement the Prince makes to Falstaff as battle approaches urging him not to worry of what will be. One can draw the line to Hemingway and some of his short stories particualry for me Francis Macomber advising that we have but one death and to make it a good one. ( paraphrased as I did not look up the exact quote but remember the story.)

It may be that Shakespeare is the beginning of all modern literature.