Henry IV, Part II · Chapter
Scene I explained
Falstaff is arrested by Mistress Quickly for debt, but the Lord Chief Justice intervenes.
What happens
Falstaff is arrested by Mistress Quickly for debt, but the Lord Chief Justice intervenes. Falstaff negotiates with the Hostess, who agrees to lend him more money. News arrives that the king and Prince Hal are near, and forces have been sent against Northumberland and the Archbishop.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Rumor
Falstaff's manipulation of Hostess and his twisting of truth highlight the theme of deception.
Honor and Reputation
The Lord Chief Justice challenges Falstaff's honor, while Falstaff defends his reputation against accusations.
Justice and Law
The arrest and the Chief Justice's intervention explore the tension between legal justice and personal influence.
Characters to notice
- Sir John Falstaff
Arrested for debt, negotiates with Hostess, learns of military movements.
- Mistress Quickly
Attempts to arrest Falstaff for unpaid debts, later agrees to lend him more money.
- Lord Chief Justice
Intervenes in the arrest, rebukes Falstaff, and inquires about news.
- Gower
Brings news of the king's approach and military deployments.
- Bardolph
Assists Falstaff during the arrest and is sent with Hostess.
- Fang
Officer attempting to arrest Falstaff at Hostess's suit.
Key passages
“Thou didst swear to me upon a parcel-gilt goblet, sitting in my Dolphin-chamber, at the round table, by a sea-coal fire, upon Wednesday in Wheeson week, when the prince broke thy head for liking his father to a singing-man of Windsor, thou didst swear to me then, as I was washing thy wound, to marry me and make me my lady thy wife.”
You swore to me on a fancy goblet, in my Dolphin room, by the fire, on a Wednesday in Whitsun week, when the prince hit you for comparing his father to a singer, that you would marry me.
Hostess Quickly recounts Falstaff's broken promise of marriage.
“You have, as it appears to me, practised upon the easy-yielding spirit of this woman, and made her serve your uses both in purse and in person.”
You have taken advantage of this woman's trusting nature, using her for money and favors.
The Lord Chief Justice accuses Falstaff of exploiting Hostess Quickly.
“I have heard better news.”
The news I've heard is not good.
The Chief Justice reacts to the report of military movements.