Henry IV, Part II

The third part of Shakespeare's impressive 'Henriad,' this play follows "Richard II" and "Henry IV, Part 1," and precedes "Henry V." In this portion of the tetralogy of history plays, Prince Hal is once again out of favor with his father the king, who is in his last months of life. Falstaff, the comical criminal, is further rejected by Prince Hal, who believes he must disassociate himself with the London underworld before becoming king. This is certainly a more somber play, for Henry IV dies, and Falstaff reflects on his own approaching death. A credible play worthy of the Shakespeare's early writings, "Henry IV, Part 2" is a work of conflict, reconciliation, and musings on life and death that attest to the universal nature of the Bard of Avon's canon.