Henry IV, Part 2

Book excerpt: Rene Weis reveals Shakepeare's use of multiple sources to be eclectic in the extreme in this radical reconsideration of the play's date and text. He also argues for the first time that Falstaff was called Oldcastle in Part 2 as well as in Part I. The play's striving towards a form of order,peace, and legitimacy is explored in relation to Part I and through rigorous attention to structure and language. A full account of the play's history in performance and on film yields a fascinating reflection of its relationship to national triumph and crisis, as well as the diverse idealogicalinterpretations it has inspired.