Falstaff’s Absence

Henry V

This thread follows the old companions left behind as Sir John Falstaff’s death exposes the distance between former fellowship and the king’s new life.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Friendship Left Behind A Friendship Left Behind from "Henry V". A Friendship Left Behind Former company recalled Lieutenant Bardolph, Corporal Nym, Ancient Pistol, and Hostess Quickly remain attached to the world of Sir…

A Friendship Left Behind from "Henry V". A Friendship Left Behind Former company recalled Lieutenant Bardolph, Corporal Nym, Ancient Pistol, and Hostess Quickly remain attached to the world of Sir…

A Friendship Left Behind Former company recalled Lieutenant Bardolph, Corporal Nym, Ancient Pistol, and Hostess Quickly remain attached to the world of Sir John Falstaff. Their talk recalls a social circle that the king has outgrown. A changed court The preparations for France place their disorderly habits beside the discipline of royal service. The old fellowship persists, but its place in the king’s life has diminished.

News of Falstaff’s Illness News of Falstaff’s Illness from "Henry V". News of Falstaff’s Illness A remembered companion fades Hostess Quickly describes Sir John Falstaff’s illness and asks his friends to visit him.

News of Falstaff’s Illness from "Henry V". News of Falstaff’s Illness A remembered companion fades Hostess Quickly describes Sir John Falstaff’s illness and asks his friends to visit him.

News of Falstaff’s Illness A remembered companion fades Hostess Quickly describes Sir John Falstaff’s illness and asks his friends to visit him. Their concern shows that attachment survives despite the changing fortunes of the group. The king’s absence The king does not appear to restore the old relationship. The news marks how far Falstaff has fallen from the center of royal life.

Death Reported Death Reported from "Henry V". Death Reported A comic farewell Hostess Quickly recounts Falstaff’s death in affectionate, confused detail.

Death Reported from "Henry V". Death Reported A comic farewell Hostess Quickly recounts Falstaff’s death in affectionate, confused detail.

Death Reported A comic farewell Hostess Quickly recounts Falstaff’s death in affectionate, confused detail. Humor and grief coexist, making the loss intimate rather than ceremonially grand. Friends depart for war The surviving companions turn toward France and the army. Falstaff’s death closes the possibility of returning unchanged to their former life.

The King’s Rejection Remembered

The King’s Rejection Remembered An old comparison Captain Fluellen compares King Henry V with Alexander, then recalls that the king turned away the fat knight. Captain Gower identifies Sir John Falstaff by name. Friendship recast as judgment The recollection presents the king’s rejection as evidence of self-command. What the old companions experienced as abandonment becomes, in the military camp, a sign of reformation.

A Life Beyond the Court A Life Beyond the Court from "Henry V". A Life Beyond the Court The old group disperses Lieutenant Bardolph and Corporal Nym have been hanged, while Ancient Pistol learns that Hostess Quickly is…

A Life Beyond the Court from "Henry V". A Life Beyond the Court The old group disperses Lieutenant Bardolph and Corporal Nym have been hanged, while Ancient Pistol learns that Hostess Quickly is…

A Life Beyond the Court The old group disperses Lieutenant Bardolph and Corporal Nym have been hanged, while Ancient Pistol learns that Hostess Quickly is dead. The surviving companion is increasingly isolated. Decline into dishonesty Pistol plans to return to England, become a bawd, and claim false military scars. The comic ending registers the cost of a world that has lost its earlier bonds.

At the beginning of the Southampton preparations

Before the English leave Southampton

At Southampton, after the news of the illness

After Agincourt, during Fluellen and Gower’s conversation

After the leek confrontation in France