Unit 1: Shakespeare Speaks
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Session 4
Thomas, it's packing… I'll send him packing… Not packaged. You're not putting him in a box or parcel!
Session 4 score
0 / 15
- 0 / 5Activity 1
- 0 / 6Activity 2
- 0 / 4Activity 3
Activity 1
I'll send him packing
William Shakespeare isn't getting on very well with his actors…
... is that why people are throwing rotten fruit?
To do
Before you watch the video, look at this picture. Where is this? What do you think is happening inside the building?
Then, watch the video to find out the answers. It's about 4 minutes long. (The answer's under the video – no looking!).
Watch the video and complete the activity
Narrator
It's early morning at the Globe Theatre. William Shakespeare and his actors are rehearsing Henry IV Part 1. In this scene, it's late at night, and young Prince Hal, played by Robert Harley, and his friend Falstaff – that's Thomas Swann – are in the pub. But… the King's messenger has just arrived.
Thomas Swann as Falstaff
… Shall I give him his answer?
Robert Harley as Prince Hal
Prithee do, Jack.
Thomas Swann as Falstaff
Faith and I'll send him packaged…
Will
Stoooppppp!!! Thomas, Thomas, it's packing… I'll send him packing… Not packaged. You're not putting him in a box or a parcel. Remember: you want the King's messenger to go away!
Thomas Swann
Sorry, Will… I'm not my best today…
Actor 1
One too many beers last night, eh Thomas?!
Actor 2
He thinks he's Falstaff for real!
Will
Thomas. Listen to me. Falstaff and Prince Hal are having a great time. That's why Hal doesn't want to see the messenger.
Robert Harley
Will…
Will
What is it, Robert?!
Robert Harley
I do like the messenger's name: Gravity. Gravity! A serious man who doesn't like to have fun. Not like Falstaff. He's…
Actor 1
Old!
Actor 2
…and fat!
Actor 1
He's always telling jokes…
Actor 2
He's never got any money!
Thomas Swann
That last bit's true enough, Will.
Will
Now, now Thomas – you're perfect for this part. The audience are going to love you! Let's go again, from: What doth Gravity do out of his bed at midnight?
Thomas Swann as Falstaff
What doth Gravity do out of his bed at midnight? Shall I give him his answer?
Robert Harley as Prince Hal
Prithee do, Jack.
Thomas Swann as Falstaff
Faith, and I'll send him packing!
Will
Bravo! Let's take a break.
Narrator
We'll leave them there for now. Falstaff is one of Shakespeare's most popular characters. He drinks, steals and runs away from danger, but Shakespeare’s audiences loved his comic genius and sense of fun. In Henry IV, Prince Hal prefers the company of Falstaff – and his criminal friends – to noblemen. Shakespeare’s phrase I'll send him packing has the same meaning today: I really don't want this person around me, so I'll send them away. It's also used in sport, to talk about beating an opponent. Take Gwyn Jones, former captain of the Welsh rugby team, who said before a match:
Clip 1
This is our chance to do it and we should send them packing with their tails between their legs.
Clip 2
I've no patience when people try to sell me things at the door. I usually send them packing.
Will
Let's try it once more.
Actor 1
Come on Thomas!
Actor 2
You can do it!
Thomas Swann
Will you all shush?!
Actors 1 & 2
To shush or not to shush, that is the question.
Answer
The building in the picture is the Globe Theatre in London. Inside, William Shakespeare and his actors are rehearsing. Well done if you guessed correctly!
To do
Poor Thomas Swann is not at his best today. He's having trouble with a scene from Shakespeare's play - Henry IV Part I. Can you answer these questions to show that you have understood more than Thomas? Watch the episode again to help you if you like.
Bravo... or flying tomatoes?
5 Questions
Answer these questions about Shakespeare's play to avoid being hit by flying fruit!
Help
Activity
Answer these questions about Shakespeare's play to avoid being hit by flying fruit!
Hint
Gravity is the King's messenger.Question 1 of 5
Help
Activity
Answer these questions about Shakespeare's play to avoid being hit by flying fruit!
Hint
Falstaff says he will 'send him packing'. What does this mean?Question 2 of 5
Help
Activity
Answer these questions about Shakespeare's play to avoid being hit by flying fruit!
Hint
William explains the reason that Hal wants Gravity to leave.Question 3 of 5
Help
Activity
Answer these questions about Shakespeare's play to avoid being hit by flying fruit!
Hint
Falstaff is always telling jokes, he has never got any money and he drinks, steals and runs away from danger.Question 4 of 5
Help
Activity
Answer these questions about Shakespeare's play to avoid being hit by flying fruit!
Hint
Hal enjoys spending time with Falstaff and his friends.Question 5 of 5
Excellent! Great job! Bad luck! You scored:
How many did you get right?
3-5 - Bravo, are you William Shakespeare?
0-2 - Oh dear! Watch out for flying tomatoes...
Next
We don't want to send you packing yet! Go to the next page to find out about the meaning and use of I'll send him packing.
Session Vocabulary
For more great Shakespeare content visit our partner,The OU
For teachers:
Lesson plan and worksheets for I'll send him packing
Eight Vocabulary Activities for the classroom____________________
I'll send him packing
Meaning
The phrase I'll send him packing was in common use in Shakespeare's day. It means the same today as it did back then: I really don't want this person around me, so I'll send them away.Example sentence
I've no patience when people try to sell me things at the door. I usually send them packing.Note
It's also used in sport, to talk about beating an opponent.Example sentence
This is our chance to do it and we should send them packing with their tails between their legs.____________________
Extra vocabulary
rehearse
practise a play or piece of music for later public performance.Ways to say: 'send someone packing'
get rid of someone
show someone the door
send someone on their wayWays to say: 'go away':
get out of my sight!
get lost!
sling your hook!
on your bike!
jog on!
do one!____________________
Find out more
Shakespeare Speaks is a co-production between:
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