To what extent do we have an insight into the private man: King Henry

In I, iii Henry tries to confirm his seat a king by demanding fear and respect from Worcester. This could be because he has a haunch that they are plotting against him, if that is so he is a very astute man and is trying to scare them out of it. He is also a very sceptical man, in not believing that Mortimer fought the rebellious Welsh. He is also very complementary towards Hotspur who he respects greatly. This could be because his eldest son is so riotous and Hotspur is so honourable and worthy which Shakespeare set up to contrast each other.

In III, ii is really hurtful towards his son Hal, saying that he wonders whether God is punishing him for usurping the throne and who can he keep such low company he also recites anonymous gossip at his son. This could be an attempt to stop his son running such a riotous life. Also in this seen he shows how good a politician he is by telling his soon why Richard was a poor king and him a good one. He put this down to the fact that Richard was seen in public too often where he was "Ne'er seen but wondered at".

In V, iv Henry lets slip his fear that he thought Hal would join the rebels because he didn't love his farther, this reinforces the fact that he is a sceptical and suspicious man. He is only satisfied when Hal saves his life.

All in all Henry is not a very likeable man but a cold, suspicious, worried "vile politician".