Finish Act 1, scene 3, and read and annotate Act 2 (beginning with scene 2) of William Shakespeare's Henry IV, Part 1. In a well-developed paragraph, complete one of the writing responses described below. (These prompts are adapted from the Cambridge School Shakespeare edition of King Henry IV, Part 1, Rex Gibson, editor, published by Cambridge University Press in 1998.)
1. A major aim of scene 2 is to make the audience laugh as much as possible. But, is Falstaff serious in parts of this scene? Write a rhetorical analysis of Falstaff's language that explains whether he is jesting throughout the scene, or if he turns serious.
2. Do Hotspur and Lady Percy really love each other? Write a rhetorical analysis of Hotspur and Lady Percy's conversations in scene 3, and explain why they speak to each other as they do. You may consider the context of the conversation as well as each character's purpose and persona.
3. In scene 4, Hal and Falstaff take roles as Henry IV and Hal in preparation of Hal's impending visit with his father. With an emphasis on their language, how do Falstaff and Hal convey the king's seriousness?
Extra: In scene 4, when Falstaff acts as both Henry IV and Hal, he expresses a concern that all of Hal's buddies should be banished except himself. Why is he so concerned about banishment, and why at this moment in the play?
