Henry IV, Part II · Chapter
Scene V explained
King Henry IV, on his deathbed, awakens to find the crown missing and accuses Prince Hal of wishing him dead.
What happens
King Henry IV, on his deathbed, awakens to find the crown missing and accuses Prince Hal of wishing him dead. After a tense confrontation, Hal explains he took the crown thinking his father had died. The king forgives him, offers final counsel on ruling, and dies upon learning he is in the Jerusalem chamber, fulfilling a prophecy.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Legitimacy
The scene explores the burden of kingship, the legitimacy of Henry IV's rule, and the rightful succession of Prince Hal.
Time and Mortality
King Henry's impending death and his reflections on the transience of life and the crown's weight highlight mortality.
Transformation and Redemption
Prince Hal's sincere apology and the king's forgiveness signify Hal's transformation from wild youth to responsible heir.
Characters to notice
- King Henry IV
On his deathbed, he confronts Prince Hal about taking the crown, forgives him, and gives final advice before dying.
- Prince Harry
Takes the crown thinking his father dead, defends his actions, and is reconciled with the king.
- Prince John of Lancaster
Enters to bring news of peace and happiness to his father.
- Earl of Warwick
Attends the king, reports the prince's sorrow, and identifies the chamber as Jerusalem.
- Thomas of Clarence
Present at the king's bedside, notes the king's changed appearance.
- Duke of Gloucester
Attends the king and reports the king's illness.
Key passages
“Thy wish was father, Harry, to that thought”
Your desire for my death gave rise to that thought.
King Henry accuses Hal of wishing him dead.
“I put it on my head, To try with it, as with an enemy That had before my face murder'd my father”
I placed the crown on my head to confront it as an enemy that had killed my father.
Prince Hal explains his motive for taking the crown.
“How I came by the crown, O God forgive; And grant it may with thee in true peace live!”
May God forgive how I obtained the crown, and may it bring you true peace.
King Henry asks for divine forgiveness for his usurpation.
“In that Jerusalem shall Harry die.”
Harry will die in that Jerusalem.
The king realizes the prophecy is fulfilled in the Jerusalem chamber.