Henri IV, Part 1 St. Matthew’s

Henry IV, Part I, is the second play in Shakespeare’s second series of history plays. His first plays, the Henry VI series that concluded with Richard III, deals with the Wars of the Roses. The second group is set earlier in history looking at the political events that lead to the Henry VI situation. This cycle begins with Richard II, the king who was usurped by his cousin who became Henry IV. The two parts of Henry IV are mostly concerned with the emergence of Prince Hal who became Henry V, the victor at Agincourt who regained the Plantagenet ascendancy in France.

This interest group will meet for five consecutive Mondays with one act of the play as the focus for each meeting. Members are encouraged to read the act prior to each session so that they can participate in a meaningful way.