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King Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

#public #quotsyjan21 @TK-421

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Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

so-so

Could‘ve been subtitled HEY DID YOU KNOW FALSTAFF WAS FAT?? Like ok, Will, we get it. Dude was big. Don‘t have a lot of thoughts on this one—it‘s a history, so you know...a bit boring. Lots of speeches, not a ton of action. Hotspur had some good lines, and the multi-robbery-fake-out scene was funny. Not a big bang of an ending but maybe you get that with Part 2, which will be the next history I read...but not for a few months at least, LOL. 3/5 ⭐️

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Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

O gentlemen, the time of life is short;
To spend that shortness basely were too long
If life did ride upon a dial‘s point
Still ending at the arrival of an hour.

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Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

If that the King
Have any way your good deserts forgot,
Which he confesseth to be manifold,
He bids you name your griefs, and with all speed
You shall have your desires with interest
And pardon absolute for yourself and these
Herein misled by your suggestion.

[It‘s time for the Airing of Grievances! 🤣]

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Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

He said he would not ransom Mortimer,
Forbade my tongue to speak of Mortimer.
But I will find him when he lies asleep,
And in his ear I‘ll hollo ‘Mortimer.‘
Nay, I‘ll have a starling shall be taught to speak
Nothing but ‘Mortimer,‘ and give it him
To keep his anger still in motion.

[Poe was like, “I can do this better. And by better, I mean way fuckin‘ creepier.”]

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Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

Probably should have read this and part two before Henry V, but I don‘t think it really matters. I‘m a little wary because the histories are already far less interesting for me and this one has some pretty meh reviews. But it‘s Shakespeare, and my little project means I gotta read them all, so I‘m doing it! #nowreading

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King Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

so-so

Another Shakespeare play where the intro writer makes excuses and talks about how this is one of Shakespeare's weakest ones.

Think I've read more 'bad plays' by Shakepeare than good ones.

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King Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

This is the synopsis of Part 1 in my copy of Part 2, just in case anyone needs it or wants it. Hopefully it hasn‘t stretched the limits of cell phone screens too badly for those without access to a tablet.
#Shakespeare #henryIVpart1 #henryIVpart2 #HenryIV #shakespeareskings #shakespearereadalong #synopsis

GingerAntics @wanderinglynn @BiblioLitten @oOArankaOo @TheBookHippie @Wife @saresmoore @DGRachel @CSeydel @Anna40 @readordierachel @Bookishgal71 @kathedron @Susannah @RestlessFickleBookHoarder @IndoorDame @cocomass @InLibrisVeritas @Gezemice 6y

GingerAntics @Mtroiano @KatieanneF @rabbitprincess @rjsthumbelina @CoffeeNBooks @Graywacke @Rachbb3 @batsy @Lcsmcat @zsuzsanna_reads @Balibee146 @Faibka @Riveted_Reader_Melissa @Jess_Read_This @wordzie 6y

Riveted_Reader_Melissa I could read it fine on my cell phone. Thanks, it was a perfect summary. 6y

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TheBookHippie I just watched the PBS special of Henry the 8th castle ....just to confuse things 🤣🤣🤣 6y

GingerAntics @TheBookHippie 🤣😂🤣 what were you thinking?! 😂🤣😂 You officially have way too many Henries in your head now. 🤣😂🤣 ... actually that sounds really interesting. I may have to look that up. 😏 6y

GingerAntics @Riveted_Reader_Melissa oh good. I checked it on my phone, but then I realised that smart phone screens come in all sorts of sizes so I was just hoping it was readable. I was hoping it would help get everyone ready to start the new play this week sometime. 6y

TheBookHippie @GingerAntics Netflix 6y

GingerAntics @TheBookHippie 💙💙💙 bless you for documentary recs!!! 6y

TheBookHippie Insomnia🤣 I watched that and Chatsworth and Empire of the Tsars!!! I now want to cook in all the places !!! (edited) 6y

Lcsmcat 👍🏻 6y

GingerAntics @TheBookHippie oh I have empire of the tsars in my queue. Was it good? 6y

GingerAntics @TheBookHippie oh wow all three of those are in my queue!!! 6y

TheBookHippie @GingerAntics I love all things Russian Tsar history 🤣 so seeing it all was fun. 6y

GingerAntics @TheBookHippie I guess I‘m most interested in Tsarist history where it ends. For some reason I was deeply drawn to Alexi Romanov in freshman world history back in high school. My teacher didn‘t understand why I needed/wanted/knew more about him other than his hemophilia. I was supposed to do pictures to remind me of each of a set of people and he was one of them. I wanted to do a horse and a gun since we was into military stuff... 6y

GingerAntics @TheBookHippie but he insisted I just do a bloody crown. I was very upset. I still didn‘t know I was a historian at that stage, but I guess it was one of the early signs. 🤣😂🤣 I figured I should probably know more of the history than that, especially since all the European royal families are related anyway. Hell, Elizabeth II and Prince Philip are second cousins. No wonder Prince Charles has such huge ears. Philip doesn‘t have them. 🤣😂🤣 (edited) 6y

TheBookHippie @GingerAntics I was fascinated with Grand Dutchess Maria I heard she had a diary!!! (As a child) (edited) 6y

GingerAntics @TheBookHippie wasn‘t that one of Alexi‘s older sisters? He certainly had a lot of them as I recall. 6y

TheBookHippie @GingerAntics yup!!! 4 Tatiana Anastasia Olga Maria .. 6y

batsy Thanks! I know I just finished it recently but I'll never not need a recap for the history plays 😂 6y

GingerAntics @batsy I wish there was one of these nice, single paragraph synopses for every play. It would make life so much easier. 6y

GingerAntics @TheBookHippie I‘m so excited I actually recognised that correctly. It probably been (amazingly) 18-19 years since I studied the Romanov‘s. 6y

Gezemice Thanks! I am reading Wars of the Roses, inspired by the play. Shakespeare got the main things right, but there was quite a bit of artistic license, of course. Hotspur‘s wife was Elizabeth, not Kate, and he was older even than Henry IV, so he would not have regarded Hotspur his son. Some other details, too. But overall quite historically accurate. 6y

GingerAntics @Gezemice the intro to my edition of part 1 covered a lot of that. Shakes is really good at keeping the history in place and only changing what he needs to change to make his narrative work. He does quite an elegant job of it I think. His original audiences would have known this history as a matter of course, or their own national mythology almost, so it makes sense that he stuck closely to the history. 6y

wordzie Thank you for that! 😁 i didn't start with you guys and I was behind so that threw me off a bit. But i do plan to read part two with you guys. Thx a bunch for not dumping me!! 🙌😘 6y

GingerAntics @wordzie it‘s all good. I‘m not sure we‘ve ever dumped anyone. Admittedly I wasn‘t here for the first two plays, but we were a much smaller group back then. I think we had one person say they didn‘t want to do it anymore. Other than that, yeah, you can pop in and out as you want. 6y

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King Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

pick

Kate and Hotspur (from a google image search).

So, this was part I and maybe/maybe-not ended anticlimactically. But it was quite wonderful to meet Falstaff and all the insults around him. Kate makes her mark, a potent foil to Hotspur, even if she just has a few appearances. Not my favorite Shakespeare, but has its moments. (And, I quietly really liked Prince Henry)

#Shakespearereadalong

swynn Yay for love of the history plays! I think of the tetralogy Richard II - Henry IV 1 & 2 - Henry V as a single play, and it's my favorite. 6y

Graywacke @swynn I‘ll have to backtrack to RII. I‘m reading through Shakespeare with a Litsy group, but I came in late and missed it (... lacking that initiative just now, though 🤭😊) 6y

Gezemice @Graywacke I missed it too but Shakespeare‘d out. Instead I am reading about the

The Wars of the Roses

Graywacke @Gezemice You‘re on theme! But, yes, I‘ll take my week off. 🙂 I‘m enjoying reading these plays at this leisurely pace. 6y

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batsy

Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

pick

I learned from this play that rebellion, like time, is a flat circle (philosophy by way of True Detective & Shakespeare 😅). While court intrigue is a key aspect, the part that interested me more is how Prince Hal goes from rebellion to kingship. Falstaff is a brilliant character, a satirical standpoint from which to observe the hypocricies of the monarchy. Lady Kate is saucy af. The language in this play is its own gift. #ShakespeareReadAlong

batsy @GingerAntics 6y

merelybookish 👏👏 6y

GingerAntics Totally agree on Kate. Love her. 6y

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Centique Great review and I love the photo! I‘m reading Julius Caesar at the moment but I must get to this one soon 👏👏👏 6y

batsy @merelybookish *curtsies* 😁 6y

batsy @GingerAntics So memorable despite a brief glimpse! 6y

batsy @Centique Thank you ❤️ Julius Caesar is one I read a long time ago for class and I hope to revisit it with the group at some point :) Are you liking it? 6y

Centique @batsy I am! And it‘s my first time. So many well known quotes I‘m recognising 🧐🧐😆 6y

batsy @Centique Ha, yes! It kind of blows my mind every time I across a famous Shakespearean quote in the context of the play; so different from how we come to use it (as motivational quotes, especially 😆) 6y

Haroon_Ishaq 💕 yet to read 6y

batsy @Haroon_Ishaq Hope you enjoy when you get to it! 6y

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Gezemice

King Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

pick

Henry IV came to the throne via a rebellion, and now he is dealing with a rebellion himself - a rebellion of his old friends. This setup gives us an interesting dramatic irony, which Shakespeare fully exploits. The other part of the story is the Prince‘s debauchery and thieving with his low friends, among whom Falstaff gives us one of the bard‘s best comic characters. Much witty wordplay ensues, there is lots of fighting and action. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Gezemice #shakespearereadalong 6y

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King Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

pick

Loved the action and the speed of the second half of the play. I wasn‘t a huge fan of most of the characters, but the fact that they all try to kill each other in the final act perks things up. Kate was my favourite character. I love Shakespeare‘s strong female characters. Looking forward to Part 2.
#Shakespeare #henryIVpart1 #HenryIV #shakespeareskings #shakespearereadalong

Gezemice Yes, the second part definitely had more action. Now I need to read up on the War of the Roses! 6y

TheBookHippie I think he had a good healthy respect for strong women or I just hope ❤️ 6y

batsy So true about Kate! 6y

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GingerAntics @TheBookHippie @batsy I love her. She wasn‘t in this play nearly enough. I‘ve read several scholars that talk about his respect for strong female characters, but no one seems to know what that meant in his real life. My theory is that since all he had left was his daughters, he wanted to give them good role models. 🤷🏼‍♀️ 6y

GingerAntics @Gezemice yeah I don‘t feel like I know nearly enough about the battles being fought in these plays. I‘m not usually one for military history, but in this case I kind of want to make an exception. 6y

Gezemice @GingerAntics I thought you like medieval history? It is more of a political intrigue story than battles, although there are a few of those, too. I own one from Alison Weir, whom I love, and I plan on rereading

The Wars of the Roses

GingerAntics @Gezemice no I‘m an early modern person and I still don‘t like the battles and what not. I‘m an intellectual and religious historian. Fighting comes into play occasionally, but it‘s definitely not my happy place. I‘ve got a very basic overview of the wars of the roses. 6y

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King Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

Final discussion for part 1. So how did it go? How did you like the final act? Handy thoughts over all?
Not going to lie. I liked the fact that the last act is all the male characters trying to kill each other. That was actually quite fun. The characters I like are the female characters.
#Shakespeare #henryIVpart1 #HenryIV #shakespeareskings #shakespearereadalong

DGRachel The audio for Act V was a hoot. It really brought the fight scenes to life. Overall, it was slower than I remembered, but I‘m looking forward to Part II. 6y

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Graywacke Maybe a little anticlimactic for me - at least on the page, without performance to dramatize the fight scenes. Maybe I wanted more humor (is that weird?) ? Maybe I need part II? 6y

Lcsmcat @DGRachel I haven‘t watched it this time, but my memory of seeing it years ago agrees with your opinion. @graywacke I found the bits with Falstaff funny, but I was visualizing the slapstick I remembered from the Utah Shakespeare Festival performance. 6y

TheBookHippie @DGRachel I need to listen to this for sure!!! 6y

TheBookHippie @Graywacke I think this is an onstage is better. I do enjoy the laughter in the comedies. However @GingerAntics I agree with your men observations and that is comical 🤣🙌🏻🙌🏻😝 6y

GingerAntics @TheBookHippie 🤣😂🤣 6y

GingerAntics @Graywacke I felt the same way, like it didn‘t really have that feeling of completion, more like the story just paused. I think it lends credence to the idea the two plays are meant to be read together. I think I‘m starting part 2 tomorrow. 6y

TheBookHippie I also think we need part 2. I‘m going to reread the history behind these as well this week because I‘m a geek. 6y

CoffeeNBooks @DGRachel I hadn't thought about listening to the audiobook- I'll have to see if I can download it from my library for Part 2. 😊 6y

DGRachel @CoffeeNBooks It‘s available through Hoopla if your library gives you access to that. 😊 6y

CoffeeNBooks @DGRachel I'll have to check- I wasn't able to find it on the library website or Libby. 😕 6y

Gezemice I have watched a performance on Youtube and it turned out to be part 1 and 2 together... except it seemed it was mostly part 1, with the ending added from part 2. On stage, this is a rather exciting part - lots of sword fighting, characters run in and out, and Falstaff brings quite a bit of comedy. I agree that it seems unfinished, that‘s probably why that adaptation had an end scene from part 2. @Graywacke @TheBookHippie 6y

Gezemice @DGRachel @CoffeeNBooks I have downloaded the audio from Hoopla, too, and it was really good! I did end up reading it, too. 6y

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @CoffeeNBooks If not, try Librivox, they are read by volunteers, so not professional, but if you can find one read by a cast that usually helps. 6y

TheBookHippie @Gezemice well that makes sense!!! I‘ll have to watch it. 6y

Riveted_Reader_Melissa And yes, crazy fight scene...people leaving others to take the fall for their scheming and others taking the credit for someone else‘s hard won fights. 6y

Gezemice @Riveted_Reader_Melissa Hoopla has at least two, the one with multiple readers is good. Mine was by Arkangel Shakespeare 6y

Gezemice @Riveted_Reader_Melissa Well Hotspur got what he bargained for. Rebellion is risky business 6y

batsy @Graywacke @GingerAntics I feel the "on hold" feeling as I finished, as well, so I'm glad we're reading Part 2 soon. I don't think it's weird to want more comedy, because I did as well ? Falstaff became very philosophical towards the end! 6y

GingerAntics @TheBookHippie I‘m not sure that qualifies as geeky. I think that‘s closer to being well informed. lol 6y

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DGRachel

King Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

pick

I‘m on the fence with how to rate this one. I studied it in college and remember loving it then, but this reread has been challenging, even with audio to help. There are some great lines, but as a whole, it‘s a little dry. The last act definitely picks up the pace, though, so I‘ll go with Pick both for nostalgia sake and Act V.
#shakespearereadalong #sundaysnuggles #bailey #dogsoflitsy #pitbullsoflitsy

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King Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

“The better part of Valour, is Discretion; in the which better part, I have saved my life”
If all the people who misquote this line actually read the play, I don‘t think they would be so quick to claim the sentiment. #shakespearereadalong @GingerAntics @readinginthedark @batsy @Graywacke @TheBookHippie @DGRachel

GingerAntics Oh is that Falstaff in armour?! My god I‘m going to love the last act. I think I need to read that immediately!!! 6y

TheBookHippie 😳🤷🏽‍♀️🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 I agree. 6y

Lcsmcat @GingerAntics Yes, that‘s him on the ground and the Prince above him. 6y

GingerAntics And now I know why, because I finished it. 6y

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King Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

It seems the consensus is to keep going and read Part 2 next. I think I mentioned before that I had a tentative schedule for Part 2, I‘m just checking with everyone who is behind to see if a week is going to be enough time to catch up. I know we have at least one new born and one person who jumped in about half way through. I know a lot (most?) of us are behind. I just want to make sure as many people as possible are ready to go for part 2.

GingerAntics #Shakespeare #henryIVpart1 #henryIVpart2 #HenryIV #shakespeareskings #shakespearereadalong @Mtroiano @KatieanneF @rabbitprincess @rjsthumbelina @CoffeeNBooks @Graywacke @Rachbb3 @batsy @Lcsmcat @zsuzsanna_reads @Balibee146 @Faibka @Riveted_Reader_Melissa @Jess_Read_This @wordzie 6y

TheBookHippie I just wanted to revisit my notes 🤣🤷🏽‍♀️ then I‘m good to read for this week! 6y

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DGRachel For probably the first time ever, I am not behind on a buddy read! So, I‘m good to start Part 2 whenever you decide to start. 😁 6y

Mtroiano I can probably catch up without an extra week 6y

readinginthedark 🤣 Oh, babies! I'm only on Act 2, but I think the one week will be enough for me to catch-up. I've been binge rewatching Monk instead of reading lately, so I just need to prioritize! 6y

batsy I'll be good to start Part 2 whenever the group is ready 6y

GingerAntics @readinginthedark 🤣😂😂 you have a legit excuse, though. Maybe we should just find you a video version. 🤣😂🤣 6y

Riveted_Reader_Melissa I just caught up tonight, so I‘m ready and on schedule now. 6y

GingerAntics @Riveted_Reader_Melissa check you out!!! You get a Shakespeare cookie!!! 6y

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @GingerAntics yay! 🍪 6y

Lcsmcat I‘m ready whenever y‘all are. 6y

Gezemice I am on act 3, but hoping to catch up by the weekend! 6y

GingerAntics @Gezemice if it makes you feel any better, things seem to pick up pace after that. 6y

GingerAntics @readinginthedark do you want us to wait up for you or just keep going and you‘ll meet us along the way? 6y

readinginthedark 😆Truth! And no, don't wait up! I'll catch up at some point; no worries! 6y

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wordzie

King Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

#currentlyreading + today's #libraryhaul-Murder on the Orient Express and The 🔥 Court.

Are you starting a book today? What is it?

SW-T Yes

The Blue Castle

wordzie Nice @SW-T ❤ 6y

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King Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

Also, we have this small order of business. Part 2 picks up a few hours after the end of Part 1 and it is suggested to read them consecutively, but if anyone needs a break, let me know and we can stick a play between them. I also think, either way, we need a catch up week so everyone can catch up with this one before we start the next one. VOTING IS NOW OPEN: PART 2 OR AN INTERMISSION PLAY?
#shakespearereadalong #henryIVpart1 #henryIVpart2

DGRachel Since I‘ve only seen The Hollow Crown version of Part 2 and haven‘t read it, I vote for going onto Part 2. 6y

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quietlycuriouskate I definitely need a catch-up week but I don't mind which play is up next. 6y

Lcsmcat I‘m fine either way. 6y

Gezemice I would say go on and finish, but the catch-up week is a good idea. 6y

Graywacke I‘ll happy either way. 6y

CoffeeNBooks Either way is fine with me, but it makes sense to go ahead and read Part 2 right away, instead of reading another play in between. (edited) 6y

Mtroiano I‘m a little behind so I‘ll definitely need a catch up week but I‘m good to go on to part 2 after! 6y

TheBookHippie Either way works for me!!! I‘ve hit my stride now!! 6y

batsy Totally OK for an intermission and catch up for as long as needed. Also think moving on to Part 2 next might help in terms of remembering things. But that might be just me and my tweet-sized attention span 😂 But I'm game if the group wants to do another play instead 👍🏽 6y

merelybookish Another vote for reading Part 2! 6y

readinginthedark I'm good either way--just need that catch-up week! 😅 6y

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King Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

I wanted to get this posted before I went for my run.
Things are speeding up here in Act IV. The action of this act reflects this speeding time and moves very quickly. We see the full passion of Hotspur, the complete idiocy of Falstaff, and we get a little foreshadowing of the next play.
#Shakespeare #henryIVpart1 #HenryIV #shakespeareskings #shakespearereadalong

Lcsmcat The last footnote of the last scene of this act sums it up: “The chief, and very real, interest of this otherwise unremarkable scene is in its foreshadowing of further trouble after Shrewsbury.” 6y

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GingerAntics @Lcsmcat right? When I read that I was really excited for the next play. 6y

TheBookHippie @Lcsmcat A foreshadowing !!!! So true ...(I love the word foreshadowing 🤣❤️📖) I feel like real life and reading this are so close I shutter! 6y

GingerAntics @TheBookHippie it‘s a great word, isn‘t it? You feel like real life is like this play? I can kind of see the parallels, but who is Hotspur? lol 6y

Graywacke I feel bad. Traveling and I haven‘t read act iv yet. I‘ll come back later this week. 6y

batsy I've become a bit of a Harold Bloom regarding Falstaff; I enjoy his character so much ? Nothing felt so hyper-capitalist 21st-century fast-paced modern life than when Hotspur said, "Zounds! How has he the leisure to be sick in such a justling time?“ How dare anyone claim a sick day ? 6y

GingerAntics @batsy really? I‘m kind of hoping he gets killed in this coming battle. 🤞🏻 6y

batsy 😂 6y

GingerAntics @batsy in fact, if it weren‘t for the historical suggestion that Hal is going to grow up to be a good king (better than his ridiculous father), I probably wouldn‘t care if they all killed each other. None of them really feel like they have many redeeming qualities. 😂 (edited) 6y

batsy I agree! I'm not warming to any of them except Lady Kate of whom we see too little. That's why I enjoy Falstaff; he is entertaining for his gross excesses. The character is like a satirical jab at the excesses of monarchy and aristocratic society. 6y

GingerAntics @batsy oh I totally agree about Lady Kate. I feel like she should get her own play or something. 6y

Graywacke Finally caught up. (I‘m on vacation. Had reading plans, and life interfered. Had a backup plan and yet again stuff happened. So plan 3, success! Delayed success.) 6y

Graywacke @Lcsmcat @GingerAntics @TheBookHippie @batsy So, act iv seemed mostly about buildup and the dissolution of Hotspur‘s army. And it‘s not that I like Falstaff as a person, but he‘s pure entertainment. He makes money to form a pathetic army, then has a plan to appear just as things wrap up and the spoils are there for taking - it would be awful were it anyone else. 6y

GingerAntics @Graywacke but he got that money from letting the real soldiers buy their way out of fighting. It‘s corrupt as all get out. 6y

Lcsmcat @Graywacke @GingerAntics Yes, it‘s corrupt. But Falstaff is the comic relief. In performance it‘s more obvious, but without him the play would be unrelentingly serious. And these plays were written as entertainment, not educational material. I love how ridiculous Falstaff is! 6y

TheBookHippie @GingerAntics SO CORRUPT!!! Oye reminds me of someone !!!! 6y

Graywacke @GingerAntics - exactly, he‘s a a rogue. It‘s the size of his personality that overcomes our disgust and makes him likable. ( @Lcsmcat ) Like @batsy pointed out, he represents something truly awful in (English, but really all) nobility, but is himself entertaining. In that way, he‘s dark humor - but I think he‘s not simply that. (And he makes Hal look better in comparison) 6y

Graywacke @TheBookHippie oye, yes he does...🤢 6y

Graywacke Sorry, don‘t me to talk so much, but taking @TheBookHippie ‘s suggestion and then imaging Falstaff as king (😳)...well, it made me think, is Falstaff a swipe at Henry VIII? 6y

batsy Great points @Graywacke @Lcsmcat it's Falstaff's outsized personality and absolute freedom. He's not bound by any social norms and it's beyond ridiculous. In a way, it's how people of his class can live and I like that point about how he's there to make Hal look good. He's the fool who's also a foil 😆 6y

GingerAntics @Graywacke I‘ll give you that. He definitely makes Hal look like more of a decent human being. 6y

GingerAntics @TheBookHippie right? I was just thinking, “oh yeah, Falstaff is fun...just like Trump is fun.” 🙄 It‘d be funny if it wasn‘t so true. Although, it may be different in performance. That‘s a valid point. 6y

GingerAntics @Lcsmcat true. With out him being a total idiot, it would be all male posturing and “my army is bigger than your army” and “my family is older than your family.” It would get old. Very good point. 6y

GingerAntics @Graywacke he could be a swipe at Henry VIII, but that would have been his own monarch‘s father and that would have been dangerous territory. It might have been, in the back of his mind, but that would have been a dangerous risk to take. Now I‘m wondering if this was before or after he‘d been censored a few times. There was a period where they almost wouldn‘t let anything he‘d written on stage. He was way more careful after that. 6y

GingerAntics @Graywacke a Shakespeare prof once told me that Shakespeare never did plays of his own, recent history because of the inherent danger. If they didn‘t like how you wrote it, you could find yourself relieved of your head. 😆 Apparently Richard II was a close as he‘d get to exploring the issues surrounding the succession of the childless Elizabeth I on stage. 6y

Graywacke @GingerAntics I‘m sure that‘s true. He had to be careful to avoid any insinuation of that sort. As the Oldcastles (who forced S to change Falstaff‘s name) could attest, this historical stuff had contemporary meaning, so even in history he had to be weary. But still...I wonder. 6y

GingerAntics @Graywacke it is an interesting way to look at him. I wonder if that isn‘t a modern perspective on Henry VIII though. He was seen as a great athlete in his day and was very proud of his muscular calves. He wasn‘t fat until much later in life. (edited) 6y

Graywacke @GingerAntics probably I‘m taking it too far. 6y

Graywacke From Wikipedia, for fun: “Henry finally retired from jousting in 1536 after a heavy fall from his horse left him unconscious for two hours, but he continued to sponsor two lavish tournaments a year. He then started adding weight and lost the trim, athletic figure that had made him so handsome; Henry's courtiers began dressing in heavily padded clothes to emulate – and flatter – their increasingly stout monarch.” 6y

GingerAntics @Graywacke oh my god that is hilarious!!! 💙💙💙 I don‘t know if that‘s true, but in my imaginary world it sure is!!! 6y

GingerAntics @Graywacke if nothing else, it‘s something we can see in him. Almost like a Shakespearean “thank god we don‘t have this guy anymore, even if his daughter is a prude.” 6y

TheBookHippie @GingerAntics It seems too crazy to be true then you read old literature or Shakespeare and know it has to be as old as time we just want to believe we‘ve come away from those days . I sometimes think Shakespeare actually knew this when writing. And is mocking us!!! In a good way. 6y

GingerAntics @TheBookHippie you‘re not the first person I‘ve heard suggest this. In fact, I am have once suggested it somewhere. It‘s either that or he was clairvoyant and could see the future. I‘m actually torn between both theories. 6y

25 likes35 comments

DGRachel

King Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

I KNEW I studied this play in college. Pulled out my Complete Signet Classic Shakespeare and sure enough, this is one of the plays I tabbed for class. Now, if only I had taken better notes in the text...😂😂 #shakespearereadalong

Lcsmcat Mine has random highlights and underlines - I bought it second hand. 6y

DGRachel @Lcsmcat It‘s funny - I have a lot more text notes in Hamlet, and I know I hated that play. I have a ton of highlights/underlines in Othello and Macbeth (both plays I loved), so I wonder if we just spent more class time on Hamlet or if I just found 1 Henry IV easier to understand or less worth highlighting? I have no highlights or notes in The Tempest at all. 🤔 6y

TheBookHippie I have underlines!! In the oddest places 🤦🏽‍♀️ what?? I have no notes in The Tempest either!!!! It‘s a favorite! 6y

DGRachel @TheBookHippie I‘m so glad it‘s not just me! I know I loved this class, attended it faithfully, and did well in it, so why are my notes so bizarre? 🤣🤣 6y

82 likes1 stack add4 comments

King Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

Rickie is still here. He may be dead, but he haunts this play.
#Shakespeare #henryIVpart1 #HenryIV #shakespeareskings #shakespearereadalong #RichardII #shakespearesghosts

TheBookHippie I love it so!!! Be still my black heart!!! 🤣🤣🤣 6y

GingerAntics @TheBookHippie I still think he did Rickie wrong!!! 6y

TheBookHippie @GingerAntics I do too!!! I of course am the one who visits the killer in jail and the deceased‘s family (when it‘s juveniles) at the funeral home. BUT I love a good juicy plot!!! I‘m enjoying this one quite a bit! 6y

15 likes3 comments

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

King Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

THE END IS NIGH!!!
This seems to be everywhere at the moment. Perhaps Crowley convinced Shakes to put this in. 😏
#Shakespeare #henryIVpart1 #HenryIV #shakespeareskings #shakespearereadalong #goodomens #neilgaiman #terrypratchett #crowleydidit

TheBookHippie 🤣 6y

batsy The moody goth teen in me had to underline this bit twice! 6y

GingerAntics @batsy 🤣😂🤣 6y

17 likes3 comments

DGRachel

King Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

Trying out my new headphones while getting caught up with the #ShakespeareReadalong. I‘m grateful for the audiobook to listen to as I read the print version. I‘m finding it very difficult to focus on the text of this particular play. 😳

GingerAntics Combining audio and text helps me focus as well. I highly recommend it. It also helps me get through the text much faster. 6y

Lcsmcat I like to watch performances. Seeing the facial expressions and body language helps with comprehension. 6y

Mtroiano Great idea! 6y

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DGRachel @Lcsmcat Me, too! I‘m definitely going to rewatch all of the films that make up The Hollow Crown when we‘re done with Henry V. They‘re true to the spirit of the plays, even if they mix up the scenes a bit. 6y

LeahBergen Is that a Moby Dick blanket? I‘m trying to read the words 😆 6y

DGRachel @LeahBergen Close, but not quite. It‘s this one: I bought it and one for Persuasion from Litographs. 😁

LeahBergen It‘s lovely! I have a Wuthering Heights tuque (winter hat? beanie? Whatever you know them as? 😆) and I always catch people trying to read it when I‘m wearing it 😆😆 6y

DGRachel @LeahBergen That‘s awesome. The blankets are surprisingly warm, but the printed side has an odd, foam-like texture. 6y

LeahBergen That‘s good to know. My hat isn‘t from Litographs (it‘s from someone on Etsy). 6y

DGRachel @LeahBergen My mom gave me Jane Eyre gloves and an infinity scarf from Storiarts for Christmas. I just love bookish accessories. 😂 6y

LeahBergen I have that Jane Eyre scarf, too. 😆😆 6y

CoffeeNBooks I'm having a hard time with this play, also. I'm not a fan of Shakespeare's historical plays. I'm trying to stick with it, though! 😁 6y

83 likes12 comments

King Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

This Hal is a little younger than I‘ve been picturing him, but for some reason I really like this painting.
So in Act III we‘ve seen the plan against Hank who can‘t seem to understand what god could possibly be punishing him for (hubris certainly couldn‘t be on the list of possibilities), and Hal giving command of a regiment of men to Falstaff (which seems like the dumbest idea I‘ve ever heard, but what do I know?).
#shakespearereadalong

GingerAntics #Shakespeare #henryIVpart1 #HenryIV #shakespeareskings @Mtroiano @KatieanneF @rabbitprincess @rjsthumbelina @CoffeeNBooks @Graywacke @Rachbb3 @batsy @Lcsmcat @zsuzsanna_reads @Balibee146 @Faibka @Riveted_Reader_Melissa @Jess_Read_This 6y

DGRachel I‘m caught up!! It does seem like a rather bad idea to give Falstaff command of troops, but I did enjoy the convo btwn the King and Hal. I also found the interplay btwn Hotspur & his wife amusing. 6y

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GingerAntics @DGRachel love that Mortimer and his wife don‘t even speak a common language. 😂 That‘s so wrong, but I suppose it happened back in he day. I felt like Hank was grandstanding for Hal, pulling Rickie into it just to twist the knife a little more in Rickie‘s back. Love that he wasn‘t quite sure what god was punishing him for with Hal, but he was sure it was something. Really? I can think of a few things off the top of my head. 6y

GingerAntics @DGRachel love Hotspur and Kate, though. I feel like she gets her voice heard more than he‘d like. 💙💙💙 I adore it. 6y

Lcsmcat The whole Welsh thing made me think of Monty Python. And I didn‘t buy the Prince of Wales‘ reformation. 6y

Graywacke @Lcsmcat @DGRachel @GingerAntics but the Welsh translation got a little hot...no? It was a contrast of relationships - romance without language and something quite different with it 6y

Graywacke I loved the opening with Hotspur and Glendower. Hotspur won my affection back. ..... I was kind if impressed with the king-son bit. The son said everything he had to, and the father showed some tolerance. He‘s not a black and white kind of king. .... I have no idea what Hal has in mind for an apparently incompetent Falstaff in battle, but the conversation was terrific. I‘m glad Falstaff will continue to so involved .... (edited) 6y

Graywacke (ran out of characters) .... and lastly, I really enjoyed this act, all of it. 6y

Lcsmcat @Graywacke I agree on the Welsh conversation! And how awkward to have a third party translating that kind of talk. (edited) 6y

Graywacke @Lcsmcat should the actor blush? 🙂 6y

GingerAntics @Graywacke @Lcsmcat I feel like it‘s even more awkward because the translator was her father. *shudder* Every man wants his father-in-law to translate intimate conversations between himself and his wife. 😂 6y

Lcsmcat @Graywacke I would! 6y

GingerAntics @Lcsmcat @Graywacke Clearly he needs to teacher her English and she needs to teach him Welsh...immediately. 6y

Lcsmcat @GingerAntics Exactly! Just what I would have wanted. 🙄 6y

GingerAntics @Lcsmcat exactly. The relationship between the three of them was somehow lost on me until I went through the scene by scene analysis and I went back and reread that part and sure enough. 6y

Graywacke @GingerAntics @Lcsmcat don‘t forget, father wants grandchildren 🙂 I suspect Shakespeare is making a playful commentary on relationship battles. Can be lot easier if you can‘t actually argue... 6y

GingerAntics @Graywacke I had that same thought. I guess they can‘t argue because they can‘t understand each other. They can also yell at each other and say whatever they want and never hurt the other person‘s feelings because they don‘t understand each other. It could make life easier in an odd sort of way... but alternatively, how do you build true intimacy when you can‘t talk? It wok,d be totally physical and nothing else. (edited) 6y

batsy I get a huge kick out of Falstaff! Honestly, so far his character makes the play for me. I'm interested to observe Hal's transformation to upright, princely son as well. @Lcsmcat The comparison to Monty Python is spot on! 😂 6y

GingerAntics @batsy really? I can‘t stand him just about as much as I can‘t stand Hank, but then I‘ve never been shy about proclaiming my loyalties to Rickie. 6y

24 likes20 comments

King Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

Great etching of the Act III Scene 1 conspiracy.
#Shakespeare #henryIVpart1 #HenryIV #shakespeareskings #shakespearereadalong #hotspur #glendower #mortimer #planing

21 likes

King Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

I‘d like to say this to a few people these days. #Shakespeare always has a way of giving really good advice for all of us. #henryIVpart1 #HenryIV #shakespeareskings #shakespearereadalong

Lcsmcat I always find the best quotable lines in the history plays. 6y

GingerAntics @Lcsmcat right? Love it. 6y

readinginthedark 💗 This would make a great cross stitch! 6y

GingerAntics @readinginthedark I‘d love to see that. lol 6y

22 likes4 comments

King Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

Time to catch up (#shakespearereadalong)

GingerAntics Same here. I got so wrapped up in the Robin Williams Bio I couldn‘t bring myself to take a half hour away to read this act. Doing it now. 6y

Graywacke @GingerAntics that‘s a good reason. This a another fun act, especially the opening with Hotspur and Glendower (sp?) 6y

GingerAntics I liked that part as well. The other two scenes had me rolling my eyes a bit. (edited) 6y

Graywacke @GingerAntics i say more in the general discussion... 6y

51 likes4 comments

King Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

Alright ladies and gentlemen (I‘m pretty sure we‘ve got two guys now, if not, Gentleman), how is everyone getting on? Falstaff is a truly interesting character, but I still think Hotspur is still my favourite. I do wish his wife, Lady Kate Percy, has given him more grief. She is so on to the little plot her husband and brother are up to.
#Shakespeare #henryIVpart1 #HenryIV #shakespeareskings #shakespearereadalong

GingerAntics @Mtroiano @KatieanneF @rabbitprincess @rjsthumbelina @CoffeeNBooks @Graywacke @Rachbb3 @batsy @Lcsmcat @zsuzsanna_reads @Balibee146 @Faibka @Riveted_Reader_Melissa @Jess_Read_This 6y

Gezemice I am still working on it! Ended up reading the historical background first. 6y

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CoffeeNBooks I'm still having a hard time keeping track of all of the characters and the historical context, but I enjoyed Falstaff making an ass of himself, and I liked the new Shakespearean insults I learned in this act! 🤣 6y

Lcsmcat Lots of good banter in this act, and also some of what you sister calls “character defining moments.” We now know where everyone stacks up. 6y

Mtroiano @CoffeeNBooks same! 6y

Graywacke A heck of a lot more fun than act I. 6y

CoffeeNBooks @Graywacke yes, definitely! 6y

GingerAntics @Graywacke @CoffeeNBooks I‘ll agree with that. A lot of Hal being an idiot and Falstaff making a fool of himself. Agree with all of that. Still sizing up Hotspur, but I still like him way better than Hal and I still haven‘t forgiven Hank for what he did to Richie. Coward couldn‘t even muster the courage to murder his cousin himself. 6y

GingerAntics @Mtroiano @CoffeeNBooks I keep referring back to the character list in the front of the book. I usually buy a bookmark there to get back to it easily, but rarely use it. This time around, I feel like I‘m looking at it constantly. It seems like there are just a ton of characters in this one. 6y

Graywacke @GingerAntics @CoffeeNBooks @Lcsmcat hmmm, Hotspur. Mocks good advice in the letter, shuts down (seriously rudely) his clearly knowledgeable wife, and becomes a decent joke by Hal. Overconfident much? 6y

TheBookHippie @GingerAntics I‘m going to have to keep detailed notes for this one!!! The language and insults!!! I think I‘m hitting my stride in this now. Going to read the commentary on this a bit this week as well. It‘s getting good! 6y

GingerAntics @TheBookHippie i felt like I was more in my stride for this act than the first one. The commentary is really helping for this one. So many little moving parts. 6y

TheBookHippie @GingerAntics the language in this one has me loving it! It‘s also amazing how much Shakespeare we can relate to life lately !!! Ha. Brilliance ! 6y

Graywacke @TheBookHippie I was disappointed to learn “there is no dictionary of Shakespeare‘s insults”, well, at least according to this work in progress: https://halshs.archives-ouvertes.fr/halshs-01366735/document 6y

TheBookHippie @Graywacke how fun would that be!!!!! Such brilliance in language!!! 6y

batsy This act was so bonkers and I enjoyed it! Just a carnival of insults. I really liked Lady Kate; she does strike me as incredibly sharp, and her calling Hotspur a "mad-headed ape" is too good. The implication that Hotspur is more interested in war than his wife is interesting... 6y

GingerAntics @TheBookHippie he really does touch on so much of human-ness that he applies even to a time he wouldn‘t even understand like ours. It‘s one of the best parts of his writing. It‘s still incredibly relevant and fresh, even though it‘s 400 years old. 6y

GingerAntics @batsy oh I loved that part. She‘s basically saying she‘s waiting in bed for him and he‘s too busy playing soldier to come home and get in bed with him. It‘s interesting. It was almost like she was insulting him in that, too. “Hey, you‘re a man. You‘re supposed to be all about this.” I absolutely love Kate. 6y

rjsthumbelina @CoffeeNBooks @GingerAntics I'm glad I'm not alone in having trouble keeping everyone straight this time around! @Graywacke I agree that it's gotten a lot more enjoyable now. @batsy I thought the same about all of the insults, and about loving Kate. I am also loving to hate Falstaff and Hotspur- I feel like they are written specifically to watch them make asses of themselves 6y

batsy @rjsthumbelina Yes, so true about those two! Falstaff in particular is a really enjoyable character in that sense. 6y

GingerAntics @rjsthumbelina @batsy I‘ll still totally take Hotspur over Hal, though. Hal feels like a kid who refused to grow up to me. At least Hotspur is doing what he‘s supposed to do...even if he‘s forgotten his husbandly duties. (Yes I just went there, because he forgot about that and got called on it and that bit was great!!!) 6y

TheBookHippie @GingerAntics It sure is amazing when you think about it!!! Who knew? He probably did!!! Ha. 6y

GingerAntics @TheBookHippie I get the impression that some part of him, at least, knew exactly what he was doing. Artists/creatives tend to have a sixth sense about it. He might not have done it consciously or thought about it, but he knew when it was there and when it wasn‘t. 6y

quietlycuriouskate It just hasn't been happening for me this time round 😩. Either I'll catch up by the weekend or I'll bow out and join you all again for the next play. 6y

GingerAntics @kathedron take your time. If nothing else, just try to read the play because we‘re either going to read part 2 next or another play and then part 2, so having part 1 will be really helpful. Maybe an audio play version? Or YouTube. I know the RSC did both parts 3-4 years ago now. I think they have them Act by Act on YouTube. 6y

quietlycuriouskate That's a good idea: I hadn't thought of YouTube. I've been finding myself really reluctant to pick up the book. That's so not like me! 6y

GingerAntics @kathedron it‘s Shakespeare so it can definitely be intimidating, but it‘s also kind of meant to be seen and experiences as opposed to read. I often wonder what he would think of people sitting in class, reading his plays instead of going to theatres. 6y

zsuzsanna_reads @GingerAntics I didn't realize you can get it on YouTube. I'll have to check it out, thanks for the tip! 😍 I actually finished the play over the weekend, I just had to keep reading. 😃 6y

zsuzsanna_reads @GingerAntics I recently read Bill Bryson's Shakespeare and in that he says that a (leading?) theory is that the reason there is a long version of Hamlet is that it was meant for reading not performance. Apparently plays by other authors also existed in multiple formats, to read Vs to perform. So I guess they were meant to be read too 🤷 6y

GingerAntics @zsuzsanna_reads Hm I‘ve never heard that. I‘ll have to look into that. I know Richard II/HenryIVp1&p2 are on YouTube because they were part of this huge education thing in the UK. There was a live stream and that sort of thing. Now, RSC has put it up on YouTube so that teachers can continue to use it. It‘s up Act by Act or scene by scene, I can‘t quite remember which. 6y

zsuzsanna_reads P.161 "there is reason to believe (or at least to suspect) that some of his plays may have been written to be read as well as performed. 4 in particular - Hamlet, Troilus & Cressida, Richard III and Coriolanus - were unnaturally long at 3200 lines or more and were probably seldom if ever performed at those lengths. The suspicion is that the extra text was left as a kind of bonus for those with greater leisure to take it in at home... 6y

zsuzsanna_reads ... Shakespeare's contemporary, John Webster, in a preface to the duchess of malfi, noted that he had left in much original material for the benefit of his reading public. Perhaps Shakespeare was doing likewise." 6y

GingerAntics @zsuzsanna_reads I watched a documentary on Hamlet and that was never mentioned. Interesting. 6y

DGRachel I just finished Act II. There‘s definitely some fun word play here. Will try to get Act III read today or tomorrow. 6y

GingerAntics @DGRachel 👍🏻 6y

25 likes36 comments

King Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

The Arden edition explains that this was a well-known pun of the day. A Noble was a coin, and a Royal was a more valuable one. I love all the quick wordplay: insults, puns, and outrageous lies (I‘m looking at you Falstaff) in this Act. #shakespearereadalong @GingerAntics @Graywacke @CoffeeNBooks @Tanisha_A @readinginthedark @batsy

GingerAntics Falstaff is an idiot. He does a lot of this wordplay, though. 6y

AvidReader25 Falstaff has some great lines! 6y

44 likes2 comments

batsy

Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

When the revolution takes place and we rob the actual robbers running our countries and the corporations, I will be yelling out this string of insults. #ShakespeareReadAlong @GingerAntics

TrishB Right beside you 😁 6y

saresmoore This‘ll go on my next protest sign! 6y

batsy @TrishB ✊🏽😁 6y

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batsy @saresmoore 😂 6y

Cathythoughts Love it ! You can‘t beat the old talk 👍🏻♥️ 6y

Lcsmcat And I‘ll be right there beside you, shouting along!! 6y

Tanisha_A @Graywacke Here we have more! I feel like I have gained good knowledge today. 😀 6y

Graywacke @batsy I hadn‘t thought of it that way! 🤣 You‘ll have the best words!! @Tanisha_A 👍 joy of Litsy 🙂 6y

QuintusMarcus Going to hang on to this! Could be waiting a while, though... 6y

LeahBergen I quite like “ye fat chuffs”. 😆 6y

TheBookHippie ❤️🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 6y

batsy @QuintusMarcus I know right 😭 6y

batsy @Cathythoughts @Lcsmcat @TheBookHippie 🙌🏽💜 6y

batsy @LeahBergen Much later we get things like "stuffed cloakbag of guts" and whatnot ? 6y

batsy @Tanisha_A @Graywacke Litsy = continuing adult education 🙂 6y

TheBookHippie @batsy oh good and we‘re all on the honor roll for our education right?!?!? 6y

readinginthedark This makes me think of that scene in The Princess Bride when Westley is insulting the Prince while he threatens him. "You might be right, you miserable twat..." ?? 6y

AvidReader25 Shakespeare has the best insults. 😆 6y

batsy @TheBookHippie Yup! Star students ⭐ 6y

batsy @readinginthedark 😂😂 It's definitely time for a re-watch for me...it's been far too long! 6y

batsy @Avidreader25 You can tell he spend many happy minutes (hours?) dreaming these up or using it to the best advantage 😂 6y

RohitSawant Love this! 🤣 6y

90 likes22 comments

King Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

Just polishing up on my 16th-century insults.

#shakespearereadalong

Tanisha_A Hahahah. Thanks, i am going to use them too. 😆 6y

Graywacke @Tanisha_A I imagine calling someone a bulls pizzle would at least get them to pause quizzically a moment. 🙂 6y

CoffeeNBooks There are some great ones a few pages after that, too! 6y

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batsy Ahahaha, yes! I'm taking detailed notes of the insults 😂 6y

Graywacke @CoffeeNBooks Quite an act overall, no? I finished thinking the act II is lesson in this stuff. 6y

papertimemachines Lol! Wow, I didn't know I needed this in my life. 6y

Graywacke @batsy 😆 6y

Graywacke @megansaurusrex right. Joy of Shakespeare. (And maybe a reward for surviving Act I !!) 6y

CoffeeNBooks @Graywacke I can't wait until I have an opportunity to call someone a bolting-hutch of beastliness or a stuffed cloakbag of guts, lol! 😂🤣😂 6y

Tanisha_A @Graywacke Hahah yes. And dried neat's tongue. That'll fizzle their brains out. 6y

Lcsmcat I love Will‘s insults! I need to work starvling and bull-pizzle into my conversation. 6y

Gezemice This is awesome. 😂 6y

TheBookHippie @Lcsmcat language goals for the week!!! 6y

Graywacke @CoffeeNBooks @Tanisha_A @Lcsmcat Could start a trend... @Gezemice 🙂 @TheBookHippie expanding our vocabulary! ... to all, Doesn‘t this add a new perspective when thinking about the influence of Shakespeare on this language? 6y

zsuzsanna_reads @Lcsmcat I regularly buy bull's puzzle for my dogs. Available at good pet shops and on Amazon 😁 6y

48 likes15 comments

batsy

Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

Came across this while reading the play and I wonder if Charlotte Brontë's famous "to walk invisible" was inspired by a Shakespearean highway robber. #ShakespeareReadAlong #shirlitesunite

@merelybookish @andrew61 @Blaire @erzascarletbookgasm @LeahBergen @mklong @saresmoore @rubyslippersreads @Weaponxgirl

LeahBergen Well, hey now! That‘s interesting. 👍🏻 6y

saresmoore Oooh! 6y

readordierachel Worlds colliding! 6y

batsy @LeahBergen @saresmoore @readordierachel It was so fun to come across it; now I'll mentally associate Charlotte with highway robbers in Shakespeare 😆 6y

89 likes4 comments

King Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

@GingerAntics In answer to your question about what is in the 84 page introduction: it‘s a lot of scholarly information, both things like which quartos the edition is based on and what editorial decisions were made, and also placing the play in Shakespeare‘s oeuvre, as shown above. Fascinating, but not necessary to read and understand the play. #shakespearereadalong

GingerAntics I‘ll give you that. I was thinking if everyone is struggling with their introductions we may have to start having an introduction week. lol 6y

35 likes1 comment

King Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

I don‘t know about you guys, but I already like this play more than Richard II, but maybe that‘s just because I like to see people mess with Bolingbrook/Henry IV. How is everyone getting on? What are your thoughts so far?
#Shakespeare #henryIVpart1 #HenryIV #shakespeareskings #shakespearereadalong
I know some people are behind already and that‘s totally cool. It seems it‘s been a crazy week for everyone so jump in whenever.

GingerAntics @Mtroiano @KatieanneF @rabbitprincess @rjsthumbelina @CoffeeNBooks @Graywacke @Rachbb3 @batsy @Lcsmcat @zsuzsanna_reads @Balibee146 @Faibka @Riveted_Reader_Melissa @Jess_Read_This 6y

Lcsmcat I saw this at the Utah Shakespeare Festival in 2004. Our kids were elementary age and so we over prepared them - watching video, listening to it in the car on the drive down, reading it together. So it‘s very familiar to me. That makes it seem easier than Richard II, at least to me. That said, my Arden Edition has 84 pages of introduction before Act 1. So maybe not. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 6y

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Lcsmcat I love this iteration of Falstaff, however, and enjoy the kind of word play we‘re getting right out of the gate. 6y

GingerAntics @Lcsmcat 84 pages?! Mine only had about 35 pages. I just went and looked after that bombshell. What in the world is all in that introduction? Sheesh. It seems like it could be a complete rehash if Richard II. No wonder you‘re behind. Ouch. 6y

GingerAntics @Lcsmcat I totally agree with you on the word play. 6y

Graywacke So, found it difficult. I got the gist and my edition had a nice introduction explaining character types and perspectives, but I might have to read this act again and more slowly if I‘m to say anything useful. It‘s a lot thrown upfront, no? @GingerAntics @Lcsmcat (edited) 6y

CoffeeNBooks @Graywacke I found it a little difficult, as well. I'm having a hard time keeping track of who everyone is. I don't like Shakespeare's historical plays as much as his tragedies, but I'm trying! 🙄 6y

DGRachel @GingerAntics @Lcsmcat Thankfully, my Norton Critical Edition only has 15 pages of introductory material before the actual text, so I‘m hoping to get through the intro and Act I now. It‘s been a week. 🤦🏻‍♀️ 6y

Graywacke @CoffeeNBooks this is my first time trying one of his histories. 6y

zsuzsanna_reads It's good so far: I've not seen or read it before. I was shocked when the robbery was suggested in scene 2! 6y

Lcsmcat @Graywacke It is a lot upfront. Like he expected everyone to have remembered the previous play. Or at least the history, although he takes a lot of liberties with dates, according to my edition. 6y

GingerAntics @Lcsmcat @Graywacke it is a lot up front. I don‘t know if his audience would have been more familiar with the history or if they were more relaxed about it and just wanted good drama? 🤷🏼‍♀️ Mine talked about his liberties with dates as well. I think it mentioned the true age difference between Hal and Hotspur (if I‘m remembering the two characters correctly. I‘m pretty sure it was the two Henrys). 6y

GingerAntics @DGRachel it seems the whole group has had one heck of a week this past week, so you are certainly not alone. We‘re almost doubling as a “last week sucked hope next week is better” support group. 🤞🏻 6y

GingerAntics @Graywacke I find it helpful to listen to an audio play of it as I go. My library usually has the BBC radio full cast recordings, but librivox and lit2go both often have free audio versions that help you just take it in instead of focusing on reading. Unfortunately the history plays aren‘t as popular to perform, so it‘s harder to find videos of them. That‘s the ultimate in understanding what‘s going on. 6y

DGRachel @Graywacke I second getting an audiobook and listening while reading simultaneously. I found myself zoning out when I tried to read it to myself, but the audio helped. I was able to find it on Hoopla, so no fee or waitlist. 6y

GingerAntics @Graywacke @DGRachel for some plays you can even check YouTube and you‘ll be able to find videos. Not as likely for the history plays, but for the more popular plays, definitely. 6y

DGRachel @GingerAntics I also have The Hollow Crown on DVD. I just can‘t remember how true to the source material that series is. I will have to do a rewatch though, by the time we finish! 6y

GingerAntics @DGRachel I‘ve heard good things about the Hollow Crown. I‘ve never seen it, and I‘m sure it takes a few liberties, but it may be good to watch after we get through both parts of Henry IV and Henry V. I wonder if that‘s on Netflix? 6y

DGRachel I‘ve watched it all the way through once, a few years ago, and loved it. 6y

TheBookHippie I am liking this quite a bit more!!! I too awful week!!! Back to this I enjoy all the history and I had 26 pages :) 6y

TheBookHippie It helps that I have No fear Shakespeare and Harold Blooms Book For a different take, with the Pelican and these two I can usually get a grasp. Relooking at my notes today . 6y

GingerAntics @DGRachel oh you‘ve seen this play performed? Sweet! Was it part of the 400th Anniversary RSC Shakespeare‘s King thing back in 2014 or something like that? 6y

GingerAntics @TheBookHippie 26 pages of intro? That‘s not too bad. I don‘t know why, but I really do like this one better than Richard II so far. 6y

GingerAntics @Graywacke are you reading the RSC/Modern Library edition of the play again? If you are, another good choice is to read the Scene-by-Scene Analysis. It gives a bit of a summary and explains each scene. That‘s really helpful, too. I read that after I‘ve read each act, just to make sure I fully understand what I‘ve just read and listened to. 6y

TheBookHippie @GingerAntics I do too. Henry isn‘t as annoying to me as Richard 😳😂no clue...on I read to figure it out. 6y

Graywacke @GingerAntics not this time. I‘m using Pelican Shakespeare. I like those summaries in RSC though. (I‘ve got Norton Edition from the library too, but haven‘t found the gumption or whatever to open it). I am re-reading, taking my time, and it helps. (It does leave me confused about King H giving Sir Walter Blunt‘s news as if he already knew it. Scene 1, starting at line 62) 6y

GingerAntics @Graywacke he did seem totally relaxed about it. He didn‘t seem upset at all. Perhaps he‘d heard through the grapevine or a little birdy told him. 🤷🏼‍♀️ 6y

DGRachel And done with Act I. 😁 Grabbing the audiobook definitely helped me pay closer attention to the text and helped it sink in. I enjoy Shakespeare‘s histories. I started watching this part of The Hollow Crown about an hour ago but stopped because while it‘s close to the text in some respects, it actually jumps around between scenes within Act I. 6y

GingerAntics @DGRachel that‘s confusing 6y

DGRachel It really was. I had my text out and it starts off in Scene II with Hal & Falstaff, then goes to Scene I with the King & Westmoreland, then back to Scene II when Poins shows up, then finishes up Scene I, then back to Hal & Poins in Scene II & Hal‘s monologue, then onto Scene III. I will save my rewatch for after finishing the read-thru. 6y

GingerAntics @DGRachel that might be a good idea 6y

batsy I'm with @Graywacke it was a lot thrown in all at once, and though we read Richard II I feel terrible that I can barely remember the details 😂 Tbh, where British history & the monarchy are concerned, I'm always confused (if only they'd named themselves...differently). I did enjoy how Hotspur got progressively enraged & ranty; it's like watching modern parliament proceedings. 6y

GingerAntics @batsy Henry IV was the cousin of the king before him, who was Richard II. Then Hank deposed Richie and had him murdered. That‘s pretty much the entire play. 😇 6y

batsy @GingerAntics That's all that happened, right? Thanks 😂😂 6y

GingerAntics @batsy you‘re welcome!!! 😂 Now, admittedly, depending on which production you see, there might be a few other details... like Rickie kissing the Duke of Aumerle... but that‘s not important, really. The big picture is all that matters to this play. Yeah. 👍🏻 6y

Graywacke @GingerAntics @batsy an all or nothing game. Poor Richard (well, historians are less sympathetic.). I haven‘t had a chance to forget Richard II...because I haven‘t read it. 😔 6y

GingerAntics @Graywacke yeah, historical Richard is a much different thing for me than Shakespearean Richard, but historical Richard was a total twat. There was a really nice production of it back in 2013 I believe. I know there are videos of the different acts on YouTube. A few hours would get you all caught up. 6y

rjsthumbelina Okay, jumping in now bc I finally caught up! @GingerAntics @Graywacke @batsy @DGRachel @TheBookHippie @Lcsmcat @CoffeeNBooks @zsuzsanna_reads I am having a hard time following this one - but I figured it was bc I didn't read the other histories. Idk, I think I'm most upset with it bc I don't feel like anything at all happened in this act! And I totally second that this past week has been terrible! 6y

GingerAntics @zsuzsanna_reads there is only one history play that goes before this one. That play has a scene that drives the next 3 plays (this one, part 2 and Henry V) because no one has gotten over it. There was a pretty good production of Richard II about 5 years ago. I know their are videos of each act/scene on YouTube. You could get caught up in about 2 hours. 🤷🏼‍♀️ 6y

Lcsmcat @rjsthumbelina I think this act is mostly setting things up for the next one. 6y

GingerAntics @Lcsmcat I think it also set up that Hank is now on a power trip and not much better than Rickie. 6y

readinginthedark @Lcsmcat @Graywacke @CoffeeNBooks @DGRachel @zsuzsanna_reads @TheBookHippie @batsy @rjsthumbelina @GingerAntics Finally read Act I! I agree that this Act was a bit confusing. As usual for Shakespeare, there's a lot of fun wordplay (definitely in comparison to Richard II), but not much happens, and I do think it's probably just set up to say, "Oh look, all men become douchebags when they take over the throne!" ? 6y

readinginthedark @Graywacke @batsy @rjsthumbelina I think all you might be missing from Richard II was his holier-than-thou speeches. They were pretty clever, actually. The end of the play was pretty much him admitting that he did wrong but being okay with it and jabbing fun at everyone else's mistakes. 6y

GingerAntics @readinginthedark I will absolutely agree with that. Rickie was a tit, but he could give a good speech. In the end, he was willing to admit his mistakes and then he raked everyone over the coals for not doing the same but still claiming to be better than him. It was pretty good. It was Richie‘s redeeming moment. Good stuff. 6y

wordzie Can you let me know when you discuss this book? And how far is everyone supposed to be in it? 6y

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King Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

She‘s clearly worried. Maybe she thinks I expect her to read it too, or she sees Hotspur‘s future. Anyway, started Henry IV, Part 1, this morning. so far it‘s different and more difficult than any other Shakespeares I‘ve read.

#Shakespearereadalong

Liz_M Ugh. The history plays. 6y

Graywacke @Liz_M it‘s a different kind of thing, for sure. 6y

batsy Her face resembles mine when I first started 😂❤️ 6y

Graywacke @batsy too funny. We shall persevere! 🤣🤣 6y

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King Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

I kind of like this part, where Hotspur seems to prefer Richard over Henry...or at least uses far more pleasant desecrations for Rickie than Hank. (Yes, I‘ve given them nicknames. 😏) I think I like this play even better than Richard II
#Shakespeare #henryIVpart1 #HenryIV #shakespeareskings #shakespearereadalong

readinginthedark Rickie and Hank! 😆 Love it! 6y

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King Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

‘I‘ll have a starling shall be taught to speak
Nothing but “Mortimer,” and give it him
To keep his anger still in motion.‘
Hotspur didn‘t waste any time getting worked up! And I love Shakespeare‘s inventiveness in coming up with ways to irritate the King.
#shakespearereadalong @GingerAntics

GingerAntics Right? I rather enjoy Henry IV (or Hank as I like to think of him) getting jerked around a bit. He kind of deserves it. He didn‘t get his crown blamelessly. 6y

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King Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

Getting started a bit late in the week, but I‘ll be ready to go come Sunday (Monday for some) after some sleep. I‘ve read a little bit tonight, but my eyes are starting to cross, so I‘m heading to bed. I‘ll pick this up and knock it out tomorrow.
Happy Reading, Littens!!! (and good night)
#Shakespeare #henryIVpart1 #HenryIV #shakespeareskings #shakespearereadalong

merelybookish I will be behind ... already! I made a last minute decision to go away for the weekend and forgot my copy. 6y

GingerAntics @merelybookish I think you can have a pass. It‘s not like it‘s school. 😂 I hope you have fun!!! 6y

merelybookish @GingerAntics thanks! 😀 6y

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GingerAntics @merelybookish I think our little group is going to have a few passes handed out. Hanna just had a baby. I think that entitles her to about 18 years of passes when necessary. lol 6y

merelybookish @GingerAntics True! Occasionally life takes precedence over books. 🤫 6y

GingerAntics @merelybookish Unfortunately, yeah. I‘ve tried having a chat with life about interrupting my reading, but it never seems to listen. 🤷🏼‍♀️ 6y

Lcsmcat I‘ve gotten no reading done this week due to being in “Clerk school” all day and then working til 10 to keep on top of actual clerking. So if I can read Act I while doing laundry I‘ll be with you. But I might be behind too. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 6y

GingerAntics @Lcsmcat totally understand. I‘ve had the strangest week, so I haven‘t even read Act I yet, myself. lol We‘ve got a bunch of people and as long as two of them have read it, a conversation can happen. lol I know of one person whose reading, so if I get this done before I post tomorrow, we‘re golden!!! lol 6y

readinginthedark @GingerAntics @merelybookish You two are so sweet! I've actually started reading to Ros while breastfeeding (in-between episodes of The Great British Baking Show and sleep), but I'll still start behind on this one 'cause I haven't had a chance to swing by the library and pick up a less clunky copy than my own. 🤷‍♀️ We'll catch up when we can! 6y

GingerAntics @readinginthedark aww baby‘s first Shakespeare read along. 🥰 6y

readinginthedark @GingerAntics 😊🤱Sort of random that it will be this one, but maybe she'll always have a fondness for it? 6y

GingerAntics @readinginthedark maybe. I guess we‘ll have to see. 6y

zsuzsanna_reads @readinginthedark How old is she? Congratulations! I don't think I could have coped with this play and a newboen 6y

GingerAntics @zsuzsanna_reads I‘m not sure what her exact age is, but she was born a few days after we finished Twelfth Night, so definitely still a new born. Two weeks-ish? I think. lol Did you see the photo she posted? She‘s just cute as a button. 6y

zsuzsanna_reads @GingerAntics Just seen it, she's super cute! Congrats, @readinginthedark ! And at two weeks, it would have been definitely too early for Henry IV for me! 6y

GingerAntics @zsuzsanna_reads right? It would be horrible if she likes other things she reads, but cries as soon as she starts reading Hank. 😂 6y

readinginthedark @zsuzsanna_reads @GingerAntics She is two-weeks-old today, and thank you! I still haven't started the play yet, so we'll see. I did start reading The Secret Garden to her, and she seems on the fence about it. 6y

GingerAntics @readinginthedark oh that was one of my favourites growing up. Maybe the concept of a garden is a little confusing since it‘s still winter. 🤷🏼‍♀️ I‘m sure she‘ll come around. 6y

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Mtroiano

King Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

Anyone else‘s inner reading voice get a very theatrical English accent when reading Shakespeare?

CatLass007 🤣 6y

GingerAntics More like David Tennant‘s English accent for me. 6y

Crazeedi I always hear the accents of the country my book is located in, it's just the norm for me! 6y

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King Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

Just a quick reminder to everyone in the #Shakespearereadalong that we‘ll be discussing the first act of Henry IV, part 1 a week from today.

GingerAntics @Mtroiano @KatieanneF @rabbitprincess @rjsthumbelina @CoffeeNBooks @Graywacke @Rachbb3 @batsy @Lcsmcat @zsuzsanna_reads @Balibee146 @Faibka @Riveted_Reader_Melissa @Jess_Read_This 6y

Graywacke Have four editions from my library...guess I‘m ready. 6y

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TheBookHippie Ready!!! 6y

GingerAntics @Graywacke wow, yeah, I‘d say you‘re ready. lol 6y

GingerAntics @TheBookHippie yaaaaaay!!! I‘m so excited to get to dive into the history plays a little more. I want to love the comedies, but I feel like the endings are all strange. 6y

TheBookHippie @GingerAntics we always used to say pot for one bourbon the other 🤣🤣😳 6y

GingerAntics @TheBookHippie I do enjoy a good bourbon. lol 6y

TheBookHippie @GingerAntics me too!!! 6y

GingerAntics @TheBookHippie the Shakespeare and Bourbon society...that sounds classy. 6y

TheBookHippie @GingerAntics absolutely !!! 6y

batsy I just have to get a copy! The bookshop closest to me has Part II but not the first 🤷🏾‍♀️ I'll try to get it before the weekend! 6y

GingerAntics @batsy seems so strange they would have part 2 but not part 1. Maybe someone recently came in to buy part 1? 6y

batsy @GingerAntics I was wondering the same! And was curious if it was a fellow Litten joining the readalong 😂 6y

GingerAntics @batsy Hm. That‘s an interesting thought. 6y

merelybookish I'm ready! Picked up my copy last week and wow is the cover ugly! Not a handsome man, Henry IV! 6y

GingerAntics @merelybookish he doesn‘t seem to be the most attractive man, no. I‘m thinking his wife was probably drawn to his power or money as opposed to his looks...maybe it was an arranged marriage. 6y

GingerAntics @wordzie this is the schedule for this play. When we get closer to finishing it, we‘ll vote on continuing to part 2 or adding a play in between, then another schedule will be posted. I‘ve added you to the group of people to get tagged for discussions, so until you say you don‘t want to read one of the plays, you‘ll get posted in all the discussions and schedules. 6y

wordzie @GingerAntics so super 😎 thx so much. Never read Shakespeare but I have the complete works 😁. Looking forward to discussing and understanding it and seeing what's going on. 6y

GingerAntics @wordzie welcome to the party!!! 6y

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King Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

Sorry this took so long. It‘s been a crazy week. The mass consensus seems to be Sundays are better, so I went with those. ‼️ I‘ve tentatively scheduled part 2, but if we‘re feeling like we need a play between them, that‘s an option as well, so I‘ll post that schedule when it‘s no longer tentative.
#Shakespeare #henryIVpart1 #HenryIV #shakespeareskings #shakespearereadalong

GingerAntics @Mtroiano @KatieanneF @rabbitprincess @rjsthumbelina @CoffeeNBooks @Graywacke @Rachbb3 @batsy @Lcsmcat @zsuzsanna_reads @Balibee146 @Faibka @Riveted_Reader_Melissa @Jess_Read_This 6y

Graywacke Looks good 👍 6y

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Riveted_Reader_Melissa Looks good to me 6y

Lcsmcat 👍🏻 6y

readinginthedark 👍Going in to be induced tomorrow night! This might even give me enough time to start reading again! 😆 6y

Faibka How cool! Sorry I‘ve been out of touch, had a rough couple of weeks... excited to be able to rejoin for this reading :) 6y

GingerAntics @readinginthedark I would think the “Baby Shakespeare” version of this play would totally count. lol Is a week after birth too early to start them? lol (edited) 6y

GingerAntics @Faibka a whole bunch of paradigm shifts in the last week or so, honestly. So I feel ya. I‘m also trying to figure out how people‘s new levels of assholery continues to surprise me. 6y

Faibka @GingerAntics sorry to hear that :( I can relate. I keep fantasizing about being able to stop time and just relax and read. I wish I could scream at people: “I don‘t have time for this, you tiresome buffoon, Shakespeare is waiting for me!” Lol 6y

TheBookHippie Looks good!! I agree with assholery!!! 6y

TheBookHippie @readinginthedark exciting!!!!! Sending good vibes !!!! Come on baby!! 6y

GingerAntics @Faibka @TheBookHippie luckily the assholery wasn‘t why the week was so complicated. The asshole in question is just making me question why I‘m friends with that person at all. Ultimately, the part that caused the paradigm shifts is (it will be) good in the end. There is just a lot to take in. 6y

GingerAntics @readinginthedark here‘s hoping the baby comes out quickly so you can get to the cuddling and feeding and changing portion of the parental proceedings... the best part. (edited) 6y

readinginthedark @GingerAntics @TheBookHippie Never too early to start Shakespeare! I started my son with Austen the first week! And thank you! 💗🤰🤱📚 6y

batsy Great 👍🏽 Thank you! 6y

zsuzsanna_reads Thank you! 6y

33 likes17 comments

King Henry IV, Part 1 | William Shakespeare

If you think this guy looks ridiculous, just wait until you see his son. He does not look at all like Hal from the movie The Hallow Crown, unfortunately. I‘m getting the schedule ready for Henry IV, part 1. ❓Does anyone prefer doing the discussions on Saturday over Sunday?
#henryIV #shakespeare #shakespearereadalong