ABSTRACT
Shakespeare was thinking ironically of John of Lancaster's offer of pardon made to the other rebels which, though insincere, was trusted. The first part ends with Henry sends Prince John and Westmoreland to deal with Northumberland and the Archbishop; an action which is taken up immediately in the second part. The struggle between the Prince and Hotspur is subordinate to a larger plan. One shows the struggle of the Prince and Hotspur culminating in the Battle of Shrewsbury, while Part Two, in strong contrast, shows the Prince in the background not fighting but fought over, as in the Moralities. There is no excitement about the Battle of Shrewsbury, for the result has really been settled by the Prince's decision; but it allows Falstaff to come to life again. Warwick is preparing for the rejection of Falstaff as well as describing the Prince's character. Sprezzatura is a genuine mean between a heavy and affected carefulness and positive neglect.
