Why Henry IV is worth reading.

(Yes, it's two plays and yes, you should read both parts.)

I have recently realized that I'm a pretty big fan of the histories and Henry IV parts 1 and 2 are the ones I remember best from college. Here are a few reasons you should give these plays a chance:

1) Falstaff. He's one of the most referenced comedic characters in the English language. His insults are dirty and prolific, and he breaks up the drearier parts of the text with his shenanigans. (Example: he actively takes bribes from prospective troops looking to get out of duty while trying to muster them for battle. This leaves him with quite the shabby brigade.)

Do yourself a favor, watch these comedic scenes while you're reading or soon afterward. They are a great example of why plays need to be more than just words on a page.

2) Prince Hal. Oh, the prodigal son. Prince Hal has had my heart since the moment I encountered him. A lovable ruffian, Hal wasn't raised to be king but knows it's going to be plopped in his lap soon enough. He hangs out with his buddy Falstaff, boozes and hits the brothels, and commits highway robbery for fun. (Literally.) That being said, he knows that someday he'll have to come around to his duties and is looking forward to dazzling everyone with his "nice boy" transformation.

3) Continuity. If you're reading any of the other plays in the Henriad (Richard II and Henry V, which you should absolutely be considering), then you need these. The events in these plays, while not historically so close to each other, are stacked in pretty quick succession in Shakespeare World.

4) History. Speaking of Shakespeare World, don't take the events in these plays as gospel truth. (Shakespeare invents characters, changes ages to make people more interesting, and fast forwards through the boring bits of history.) But if you're interested in English monarchic history or how the Elizabethans perceived their roots, these are a must read.

5) Badassery. You're in it to win it, friend. You've got to read this is you're interesting in reading Shakespeare's works. So do it.