Read and annotate Act 3 of Shakespeare's
Henry IV, Part 1. While reading, be mindful of the rhetorical situations the prominent characters face. (A rhetorical situation is the context in which someone writes or speaks, the conditions that shape how a speaker or writer addresses an audience.) For Act 3, scene 1, keep in mind that Mortimer is Lady Percy's brother (and Hotspur's brother-in-law), and Mortimer's wife is Glendower's daughter. If you are confused by Hotspur's behavior at the beginning of Act 3, scene 1, just know that Hotspur is mocking Glendower's mysticism while also trying to forge ahead with the rebellion.
In a well-composed paragraph, answer one of the questions below:
1. In scene 1, Worcester chastises Hotspur (his
older brother his nephew)for treating Glendower harshly and for acting poorly in general (ll. 177-189). What qualities is Hotspur criticized for, and where does he show those qualities in Act 3, scene 1? How does Hotspur react to his
younger brother uncle's criticism?
2. In scene 2, Henry IV forgives Hal fairly quickly (l. 29), but then he has a lot to say about the nature of being a king, and how he still doubts whether Hal is ready to truly stand by him (ll. 29-91, 94-129). Consider Hal's rhetorical situation and answer the following questions. Why is Hal's initial response (ll. 92-93) so brief, but his subsequent response (ll. 130-160) much longer? Do you think Henry IV is convinced that his son has turned a new leaf?
3. When Hal returns to the tavern for the first time since reconciling with his father, does he interact differently with his cronies, or is he the same old lighthearted, ne'er-do-well wag? Support your answer by giving attention to Hal's rhetorical situation and his language.
