The second set of history plays (which precede the first four in historical date but proceed them in writing date) offer a fascinating character study of what it means to be king. They share with the audience (and reader alike) the lives of three kings of England: Richard II, Henry IV, and Henry V.
             When "Richard II" opens, we are set upon with a king too concerned with worldly possessions, fashion, and cronies, and not nearly focused enough on his own monarchial duties. He is disconnected with the common man, and this makes it very easy for Henry Bolingbroke to usurp him.
             Bolingbroke does just that, and the first comparison of kings can be drawn. Richard is a poet, and uses highly stylized poetry throughout the play to express himself. In fact he seems to use his poetry to pretend his problems do not exist, a theme that was used when first Bolingbroke was banished from England. Bolingbroke, now Henry IV, is quite different. He is a pragmatist and refuses to see the world through the rose colored glasses of his cousin and predecessor. He also shows that he is (at least on the surface) more connected with the people, and has their favor. Thus it was fairly easy for him to sway the current nobility to his cause and take the throne.
             In "I Henry IV" Henry shows guilt. He is saddened with the way he gained the throne. He also starts to show that he too is consumed with worldly things; he wishes to wage war. Later, he would try to repent by joining the crusade, but would die before this dream was realized. He must stave off constant civil war and becomes quite miserable and old before his time.
             It is in this play we are first introduced to Hal, Henry IV's son. Hal is impetuous in his youth, and associates with a crowd composed of brigands, highwaymen, thieves and whores. He spends the majority of this play in the tavern with his friends. Most notable amongst them is Sir John Falstaff, a fat d...