Henry V -- the multiple texts of Shakespeare

pre Henry V

“The Famous Victories of Henry V,” 1598

• based on the Queen’s Men version in 1586, which was much more patriotic

1st adaptation of Henry V

“Henry V” Quarto 1, 1599 — year the Globe opened

• about half the length of the Folio

2nd adaptation of Henry V

“Henry V” 2nd Quarto, 1600

• basically a re-print of Q1

3rd adaptation of Henry V

“Henry V” 3rd Quarto, 1619 (falsely dated 1608)

• mostly a reprint of Q1, but there’s a few character moves and line changes

  • so this one counts

4th adaptation of Henry V

First Folio, 1623

• modern standard

Theories for the jump from Q1 to First Folio? (3)

1. Maybe there was a much longer missing manuscript used to fill in the gaps in Q3?

2. Maybe there were just notes in the manuscript

3. Prof’s guess: Shakespeare’s friends in Lord Chamberlain’s Men had a completely different manuscript in the theatre archives

second tetralogy — all plays in order

1. Richard II

2. Henry IV Part 1

3. Henry IV Part 2

4. Henry V

1600 Quarto 2 — what is missing?

• no chorus

• no “unto the breach”

• no comedic entry from Bardolfe and Pistol

• no songs (indicating that Bardolfe and Pistol are drunk)

• the boy’s speech is significantly shorter

• no argument between Pistol and Fluellen, no hanging of Bardolfe

• no MacMorris

  • racial implications of Fluellen’s rivalry with him (Welsh and Irish)

    • gets rid of the questions

• governor immediately yields

  • seems unlikely, because Henry is losing

    • patriotism — can’t show English monarch in a position of weakness

• no biblical metaphors

  • in Folio, it makes Henry a more flawed character, makes the audience question