How far do you agree that the ending of Henry IV (part 2) is more tragic than triumphant?

Throughout the play the audience is made to enjoy Falstaff's character as he is humourous and creates mischief. By making this perception of Falstaff the audience may say that Hal is in the wrong for such a harsh rejection of Falstaff. Hal publicly humiliates Falstaff and Falstaff's reaction this this creates a sense of pity and sorrow. However, at the beginning Falstaff tries to believe that Hal is joking, Falstaff begins to realise that maybe this isn't the case and we can see that Falstaff is hurt by how Hal has treated him. We begin to sympathise Falstaff and some people would say that the ending is tragic because of this.

Others may believe it to be triumphant as it showed us that Hal had the strength to prove to the Lord Chief Justice that he is capable in this new position which he has. It also shows us that England now has the chance to start recovering from everything which had happened in the past from whether it have being from his father and the guilt he witheld but also the disease which had spread over England and was portrayed through many of the characters in the play. From Henry IV part 1 and 2 we can see how Henry V begins to mature. In part 1 we see that Hal wanted to enjoy himself and Falstaff taught him this way of life in socialising and drinking. However, this was no way for the new King of England to be when he comes to throne. From Hal rejecting Falstaff is made the audience realise that now he would not be tempted to drink and socialise as much in Eastcheap. However, if it wasn't because of Falstaff taking him to Eastcheap Henry V may not have had the same experience and made the same decisions when he became King if he hadn't have socialised with Falstaff. It made Henry V experience what it may have been like to live in Eastcheap and understand some of the opinions of people in a lower class to him. This shows us that England is  capable in improving and therefore make some people believe that the ending of Henry IV part 2 ended triumphantly. Looking at the audience at the time of Shakespeare they will begin to see that Hal goes on to be a great leader and win England a victory over France. From genre of History at this time Elizabeth was unsure of who was going to become the next heir to the throne. This shows us that although they are uncertain of who is next to reign that there will be a great leader.

In conclusion, to a certain extent I agree with both sides as to whether this play can be seen as triumphant or tragic. However, in my opinion I would have to say that the play can be seen as triumphant as it showed that Henry V was going to be a good king and that the decision he would have to make later on during his reign would be one for the whole England as he would understand what other people's opinions would be rather than just the courts. Although, for many the play can be seen as tragic as Henry V does reject Falstaff and Falstaff is seen as one of the most known characters in Shakespeare's history plays he will never be forgotten.