Henry IV Act 1

My first impressions of the king are of a man who wishes to go to war. He wishes to send his troops to fight in the crusades, but there is a despite in Wales so he is not able to do that and that is very disappointing for him. I also found it very weird that he kind of hates his son. He wishes that some fairy had actually switched his son harry with Hotspur so that he could have Hotspur as his son. I would not like my father wanting to trade me for another daughter. It'll be interesting to see how their relationship develops throughout the play.

In scene 2 we find out a lot about Prince Harry and maybe why his father wishes to switch him with another boy. Harry doesn't have a good reputation. Beginning at line 70 through line 86 there is a lot revealed about Harry's character. Falstaff says that someone came up to him in the streets and was talking to him about Harry and lecturing him about Harry's bad reputation. Then Harry proceeds to quote scripture at Falstaff incorrect. This gives me the impression that Harry might actually have some intelligence because he can quote scripture and has a talent for using it in wrong places or he is actually ignorant. And it is revealed to us that Falstaff has been corrupted by the Prince and he wants to change his life around. It's very interesting to see the Prince doing the corrupting. I find it interesting that Harry plans to put this wild behavior behind him when he becomes King so that he'll look even better when he's king, but if he's acting wild will he ever actually become King or will his father think him too irresponsible?

In scene 3 there is this big dispute over prisoners and Mortimer, Hotspur's brother-in-law. The king wants the prisoner's Hotspur has and Hotspur wants the ransom for Mortimer but neither will budge. It is interesting to see the King turn on his beloved Hotspur when just two scenes ago the King loved Hotspur. Also interesting to find out that Mortimer is the heir to the throne so I think that's going to add a little drama to this history play! Also Hotspur wishes to poison Harry if he knew it would hurt the king.