Henry IV's lecture to Hal in 3.2 provides the audience with much more than an example
of Henry's relationship with his son. It also serves as an examination of the kingship and its
changing role. Henry's attempts to criticize Hal inadvertently draw many parallels between him;
his son, and his predecessor, Richard II, and while he intends to reveal Hal's shortcomings, he
primarily reveals his own.
He begins by criticizing Hal's choice of associates, namely the rogues who inhabit the
tavern. He claims that if he had been close friends with such people, Richard would still be King
of Engla…
