Henry IV Part 2 Lesson Plan

Discuss Rumor's induction that begins the play. What themes do you expect the play to explore based on this?

Rumor's induction functions as a kind of thematic augur for the rest of the play. Rumor discusses how he is wont to mis-report events, even directly admitting to confusing Northumberland about the outcome of Shrewsbury (which happens in the next scene). This description and rumination on the nature of rumor and its role in both misrepresenting and making history gives the audience a clear heuristic for interpreting the future events of the play.

When Northumberland hears of his son's death, he cries, "Let heaven kiss earth! Now let not Nature's hand / Keep...