# Scene III explained — Henry IV, Part I

> Chapter companion for Henry IV, Part I by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

In the Boar's-Head Tavern, Falstaff laments his decline and lack of virtue, bickers with Bardolph and the Hostess over a stolen pocket and debts, and is confronted by Prince Hal. Hal reveals he has reconciled with his father, procures a foot soldier charge for Falstaff, and prepares for the coming conflict with the rebels.

## Themes in this chapter

### Appearance vs. Reality

Falstaff accuses Hostess of theft while himself being dishonest; Prince Hal exposes Falstaff's false claims about the ring.

### Fathers and Sons

Prince Hal mentions his reconciliation with King Henry IV, contrasting with Falstaff's mock-fear of the king.

### Rebellion and Civil War

Prince Hal's preparations and mention of 'the land is burning; Percy stands on high' directly reference the impending rebellion.

## Character check-ins

### Falstaff

Complains of his physical decline, jokes with Bardolph, argues with Hostess about a stolen ring and debts, and is given a charge of foot by Prince Hal.

### Bardolph

Engages in banter with Falstaff about his face and is sent by Prince Hal to deliver a letter to Lord John of Lancaster.

### Mistress Quickly

Defends her inn against Falstaff's accusations of theft and debt, and reports Falstaff's insults to Prince Hal.

### Prince Hal

Reveals he is on good terms with his father, assigns Falstaff a foot soldier charge, and prepares for war against the rebels.

### Peto

Sent by Prince Hal to prepare for a ride of thirty miles.

## Key lines

> I have procured thee, Jack, a charge of foot.

I have gotten you a command of infantry soldiers.

_Prince Hal assigns Falstaff a military role in the upcoming campaign._

> The land is burning; Percy stands on high; And either we or they must lower lie.

The country is in turmoil; Hotspur is in a position of power, and one side must fall.

_Prince Hal summarizes the stakes of the rebellion._

> Thou seest I have more flesh than another man, and therefore more frailty.

You see I have more body fat than others, and thus more weakness.

_Falstaff jokingly excuses his moral failings by blaming his physical bulk._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/henry_iv_part_i_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-iii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/henry_iv_part_i_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/henry_iv_part_i_se/chapters