King Henry IV, Part 1 by William Shakespeare

Shakespeare Project 2020

I do recall reading this play back in college and focusing on the foil characters of Hal and Hotspur as well as the comedic Falstaff, but I had forgotten most of the plot.

The Prince (Hal) has quite the elaborate scheme to play the irresponsible King's son until the appropriate time that he comes forth and shows what he's made of and everyone will adore him for it.  Meanwhile Hotspur is the son the King dreams of - responsible, driven, battle-strong. He is single-minded though in his ambition for success. Dismissing his wife and calling out his father for the audacity to fall ill the morning of a battle instead of showing concern:

IV.1 Hotspur: "Zounds! how has he the leisure to be sick

In such a jostling time?"

What I love most about the Shakespeare plays is the language - the coined phrases, the insults and the insight.

I.3. Northumberland: "Before the game is afoot thou shall let'st slip."

(and you thought it was Doyle's Sherlock that came up with that one!)

II.4. Falstaff: "'Sblood, you starveling, you eel-skin, you dried neat's-tongue, you bull's pizzle, you stock-fish - O for breath to utter what is like thee! - you tailor's yard, you sheath, you bow-case, you vile standing tuck."

I.2. Prince:"...If all the year were playing holidays,

To sport would be as tedious as to work;

But when they seldom come, they wish'd-for come,

And nothing pleaseth but rare accidents."

V.4. Hotspur: "They wound my thoughts worse that thy sword my flesh;

But thoughts, the slaves of life, and life, time's fool,

And time, that takes survey of all the world,

Must have a stop."