William Shakespeare's play Henry IV tells the story of one young prince's transformation from a wasteful youth to an honorable and heroic king in the midst of an English civil war. Shakespeare's Henry IV Part I is the story of power, honour and rebellion. And Part II, is about the burden of power, old age and atonement for the past as King Henry dies and Prince Hal accepts the crown. From the start, it has been an extremely popular play both with the public and critics.