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Most of the criticism of this play
centers on whether Hal has become a good person or a bad person.
Consider his unjust war on France along with his ability to save the
English from a destructive civil war. Is Hal good or bad? Does he have
the right to perpetrate the actions of this play?
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Consider the French in this play. Are
they good or bad? Weak or strong? Do they deserve what they
get?
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Consider Kate's English language
lesson at III, iv. Why does she not just hire an interpretor?
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Why does Shakespeare include the
representatives of all the British Commonwealth countries--Ireland,
Scotland, Wales, and England--in this play?
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Why does Falstaff die offstage? Why
are the tavern gang still roaming around in this play?
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What is the function of the Chorus in
this play? Is the Chorus honest?
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Shakespeare's audience would know
that Hal died a few years after Agincourt and his son lost most of the
French holdings. How does this knowledge affect one's perceptions of
the play?
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Why does Hal engage in so much
playacting in this play? What is the purpose of the trick with the
gloves (gages)?
