Henry IV, Part II · Chapter
Scene V explained
Falstaff and his companions await King Henry V's coronation, expecting favor, but the newly crowned king publicly rejects Falstaff, banishing him from court.
What happens
Falstaff and his companions await King Henry V's coronation, expecting favor, but the newly crowned king publicly rejects Falstaff, banishing him from court. Falstaff is then arrested and taken to the Fleet prison by order of the Lord Chief Justice, while Prince John of Lancaster approves the king's actions and hints at future military campaigns in France.
Themes in this chapter
Transformation and Redemption
King Henry V's rejection of Falstaff symbolizes his transformation from a wayward prince to a responsible king, casting off his former self.
Honor and Reputation
Falstaff's expectation of honor from the new king is shattered, while Henry V asserts his new reputation as a just and serious monarch.
Friendship and Betrayal
Henry V's public banishment of Falstaff, his former companion, underscores the betrayal of their past friendship for political necessity.
Characters to notice
- Sir John Falstaff
Expects royal favor at the coronation but is publicly rejected and banished by King Henry V, then arrested and taken to the Fleet.
- Prince Harry
Now crowned King Henry V, he publicly rejects Falstaff, banishes him, and orders the Lord Chief Justice to enforce the sentence.
- Lord Chief Justice
Arrests Falstaff and his company, carrying out the king's command to banish them.
- Prince John of Lancaster
Approves the king's proceeding and hints at a future war with France.
- Ancient Pistol
Accompanies Falstaff to the coronation and urges him to rescue Doll Tearsheet from prison.
- Justice Shallow
Accompanies Falstaff to the coronation and later asks for repayment of the thousand pounds he lent.
Key passages
“I know thee not, old man: fall to thy prayers; How ill white hairs become a fool and jester!”
I do not recognize you, old man; go and pray. White hair is unbecoming on a fool and jester.
King Henry V publicly disowns Falstaff, emphasizing the impropriety of his age and behavior.
“Till then, I banish thee, on pain of death, As I have done the rest of my misleaders, Not to come near our person by ten mile.”
Until then, I banish you on pain of death, as I have done with my other bad influences, and you must not come within ten miles of me.
The king formally banishes Falstaff and his former companions from court.
“Go, carry Sir John Falstaff to the Fleet: Take all his company along with him.”
Take Sir John Falstaff to the Fleet prison, and bring all his followers with him.
The Lord Chief Justice orders Falstaff's arrest and imprisonment.