Henry IV Part 1

Computer-based techniques can lead a student to a clearer understanding of problem areas in a subject. The Letts Keyfacts Revision Software series provides suites of programs specifically designed to develop insight into these areas of difficulty. Each package contains up to ten interactive programs based on major topics found in all the current 16+ (O-Level GCE, CSE and GCSE) syllabuses.

As an integral part of a revision scheme the programs will assist understanding and reinforce learning. A variety of approaches is used to maximise the student's interest and to introduce an element of enjoyment into home study. Graphics are presented in an imaginative, interactive way as a positive teaching aid. An illustrated booklet provides information on how to get the most out of the programs.

English Literature: Henry IV Part 1 Five very extensive programs provide varied routes into the play. Two cassette tapes provide the large database required. The programs are:

1. The Historical Perspective - including a family tree
2. Relationship within the Play - in particular the central role of Prince Hal
3. The Plot - a study of the interweaving of the major and minor plots
4. Quotations - used particularly to link characters and themes. Can be used with any edition of the play
5. Write About - the user completes clozed paragraphics about themes and characters

How To Use The Programs In A Revision Scheme

Shakespeare was a playwright and an actor. We appreciate the excitement of his writing best if we see a dramatic presentation in the theatre or, perhaps, on film or television. You should try to see the play, if at all possible, as well as reading the text. If you are to benefit fully from these programs, you ought to have done both. Letts Keyfacts Revision Software is compatible with any edition of the relevant play.

Tape 1: Side A: Family Tree and Relationships
These allow you to study and revise some basic information essential to an understanding of the main areas of dramatic tension.

Tape 1: Side B: Plotsort This presents sixty events from the play, coloured to distinguish between the main and sub-plots. Sorting the order of events into the play's chronological order will clarify the structure of the play and prepare you for context questions, multiple-choice or short-answer questions.

Every syllabus demands essay-writing, either for examination of coursework. The remaining programs provide structured insights into characters, themes and critical essay-writing, e.g. the use of quotations and references.

Tape 1: Side B: Write
You are challenged to take an active part in the writing of a series of short paragraphs on major aspects of the play.

Tape 2: Sides A & B: Quotations
This program allows you to choose links between characters and themes, identifies important quotations and helps you to learn them. Comments provoke wider consideration.

The Programs

1. Family Tree ("HENRY")
Henry IV Part One is one of Shakespeare's history plays. The first screens ask you to consider the relationship between historical fact and Shakespeare's play. An understanding of Henry IV's family tree, stemming from Edward III, is essential for an appreciation of the political tensions.

The positions of different members of the royal line are indicated by numbers appearing in their appropriate positions. You are asked to identify the name of each person in turn from a choice of three names displayed at the bottom of the screen; you respond by keying 1, 2 or 3 and pressing the RETURN button. If your choice is correct, the family tree will be displayed after each response.

When the tree is completed, explanatory notes replace the questions as a guide.

You may then proceed at your own pace through the commentary.

At the end of the program, instructions are displayed on the screen explaining how to proceed.

2. Relationships ("RELATE")
The first screens in this program emphasise the central role of Prince Hal and his relationships with King Henry IV, his father, Hotspur, his enemy and Falstaff, his friend. These relationships are displayed diagrammatically and a number of basic points are made with reference to the expanding diagram. The interactive element of the program requires you to place characters in relationship groups.

Each group is identified by a letter - King Henry (K), Hotspur and the rebels (H) and Falstaff (F). You will be asked to choose the appropriate letter for each character; if you response is correct, the character's name will appear in the appropriate box under the main name.

3. Plotson ("PLOTS")
In the play, there is a main plot, the politics - shown in red - and the sub-plot, Falstaff's antics - shown in yellow. Later in the play, these merge - shown in white.

The first screen gives general instructions. The next screen presents twelve events from Act One, in random order, labelled A-L. You are asked to key in a letter for each event to construct the play's chronological order.

As you select each event - using UPPER CASE letters with the CAPS LOCK key on - it will disappear from the screen, leaving only those events which you have not yet chosen. If you change your mind, and wish to go back, you may do so by pressing the oblique (/) which will reinstate an event each time it is pressed.

When you have completed your choice, you will be asked to press a key, and your score, together with the correct order of letters, will be displayed. Pressing another key displays the events themselves in the correct order. The program deals with each act in the same way.

4. Write ("HENRY")

The first screen presents the extensive menu from which you may choose a paragraph by keying in its number followed by the RETURN key.

The next screen displays the paragraph title you have chosen and you are asked to select a 'Predict Rate' from 1-5. Predict rate 1 is the hardest and the paragraph is presented in dashes only; predict rate 5 presents every fifth word.

The next scren displays the paragraph title with the paragraph itself according to your selected predict rate.

In each predict rate, all capital letters are displayed together with the punctuation to assist in the "write about".

You may key in whole words; if you word in in the paragraph, it will appear on the screen after you press RETURN. You may "cheat" by keying in individual letters. X will display the whole paragraph immediately.

5. Quotations ("HENRY") This is a lengthy program and the loading of data takes approximately eight minutes. During this time, "LOADING DATA" will appear on the screen.

The menus are:

MENU 1

CHARACTERS

0 ANY CHARACTER
1 King Henry
2 Prince Hal
3 Hotspur
4 Worcester
5 Glendower
6 Falstaff

MENU 2

THEMES

0 ANY THEME
1 Honour
2 Loyalty
3 Kingship
4 Usurpation, Rebellion & Disorder
5 Hot Temper and Bombast
6 Plots and Jest
7 Battle and Ballads
8 Youth and Age
9 Idleness and Lies

You may select any character from Menu 1 to link with any themes from Menu 2.

After your choice, the screen will display the links you have made, an act, scene and approximate line reference. The quotation itself will appear with alternate words missing, represented by dashes. By keying in words followed by the RETURN key, you may begin to build the quotation on screen. If your choice is correct, your choice will appear in its correct place in the quotation. You may "cheat" by using individual letters, but this makes it too easy! For rapid revision, keying in X followed by RETURN will display the full quotation immediately.

Comments will also be given with some reference to provoke further paragraph immediately.

Loading

Tape: CHAIN"" (RETURN)
Disc: SHIFT-BREAK