Henry V

by William Shakespeare

Henry V: Flashbacks 1 key example

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Act 2, Scene 3
Explanation and Analysis—Falstaff's Final Moments:

In a flashback, the Hostess of a public tavern in London narrates the moments leading up to the death of Sir John Falstaff, an important figure in Shakespeare's earlier plays Henry IV Part I and Henry IV Part II. Speaking to the various friends and acquaintances of Falstaff who have gathered in the tavern, she states: 

He parted ev’n just between twelve
and one, ev’n at the turning o’ th’ tide; for after I saw him fumble with the sheets and play with flowers and smile upon his finger’s end, I knew there was but one way, for his nose was as sharp as a pen and he talked of green fields. “How now, Sir John?” quoth I. “What, man, be o’ good cheer!” So he cried out “God, God, God!” three or four times. Now I, to comfort him, bid him he should not think of God; I hoped there was no need to trouble himself with any such thoughts yet.