Henry IV, Part II · Chapter
Scene I explained
Falstaff visits Justice Shallow in Gloucestershire, where Shallow insists he stay the night.
What happens
Falstaff visits Justice Shallow in Gloucestershire, where Shallow insists he stay the night. Shallow's servant Davy manages household affairs and asks for favor for a knave friend. Falstaff observes the foolishness of Shallow and his men, planning to use Shallow as a source of amusement for Prince Harry.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Reputation
Davy argues that a knave should be countenanced by his friend, highlighting the manipulation of reputation.
Deception and Rumor
Falstaff plans to fabricate stories about Shallow to amuse Prince Harry.
Characters to notice
- Sir John Falstaff
Visits Justice Shallow and plans to use him for amusement.
- Justice Shallow
Insists Falstaff stay the night and manages household matters with Davy.
- Bardolph
Accompanies Falstaff to Shallow's house.
- Falstaff's Page
Accompanies Falstaff and Bardolph.
- Davy
Shallow's servant, manages household tasks and asks for favor for a knave.
Key passages
“If I were sawed into quantities, I should make four dozen of such bearded hermits’ staves as Master Shallow.”
If I were cut into pieces, I could make four dozen men as thin and foolish as Shallow.
Falstaff mocks Shallow's thinness and foolishness.
“It is certain that either wise bearing or ignorant carriage is caught, as men take diseases, one of another: therefore let men take heed of their company.”
People pick up wise or foolish behavior from each other like catching a disease, so be careful who you associate with.
Falstaff reflects on how people imitate those around them.