Understanding Shakespeare: Henry IV, Part 1

by Robert A. Albano

Shakespeare's history play explained in plain and simple prose! One of Shakespeare's best history plays is "The First Part of King Henry the Fourth" (or "1 Henry IV"). Shakespeare actually wrote two plays about the reign of King Henry IV (1399-1413). In "1 Henry IV" Shakespeare covers the rebellion of the Percy family, English aristocrats who had originally helped King Henry IV gain possession of the throne. The play primarily focuses on the young son of the king. Prince Henry (the...