ABSTRACT
Language in English history and civil war particularly in 1 and 2 Henry IV is a central focus in hist chapter, which also includes close readings of speeches in the context of the history plays and classical, medieval and Renaissance thought on war and peace. Words such as “honour” and Falstaff’s catechism about it in Act 5 of 1 Henry IV, matter in the representation of civil strife and kingship in England. The speech of Henry IV on sleep and the burden of kingship in Act 3 of 2 Henry IV is key.
