Henry V · Chapter
Scene III explained
Before a tavern in London, Pistol, Hostess, Nym, Bardolph, and the Boy mourn the death of Falstaff.
What happens
Before a tavern in London, Pistol, Hostess, Nym, Bardolph, and the Boy mourn the death of Falstaff. The Hostess describes his peaceful end, while the others recall his final words. They then prepare to depart for France, with Pistol giving farewell instructions to his wife.
Themes in this chapter
The Common Soldier and Class
The scene focuses on the lower-class companions of Falstaff, mourning their friend and preparing for war, highlighting the lives of ordinary soldiers.
Transformation and Redemption
Falstaff's death marks a transition for these characters, as they move from a life of revelry to the harsh realities of war.
Characters to notice
- Pistol
Bids farewell to his wife and prepares to leave for France, urging his companions to follow.
- Mistress Quickly
Mourns Falstaff's death and describes his final moments in vivid detail.
- Corporal Nym
Recalls Falstaff's complaints about sack and women, and urges the group to move on.
- Bardolph
Expresses regret for Falstaff's death and laments the loss of his livelihood.
- The Boy
Remembers Falstaff's remarks about women and the flea on Bardolph's nose.
Key passages
“Prithee, honey-sweet husband, let me bring thee to Staines.”
Please, my sweet husband, let me accompany you to Staines.
The Hostess pleads with Pistol to let her go with him part of the way.
“A' made a finer end and went away an it had been any christom child; a' parted even just between twelve and one, even at the turning o' the tide.”
He died as peacefully as a baptized infant, passing away just after midnight as the tide turned.
The Hostess describes Falstaff's death as gentle and timely.
“For oaths are straws, men's faiths are wafer-cakes, And holdfast is the only dog, my duck.”
Promises are worthless, people's loyalty is fragile, and only holding on to what you have matters, my dear.
Pistol advises his wife to trust no one and to guard her possessions.