As in
Henry IV Part 1, traditional
omens and prophetic signs function as controversial symbols in the play. While some characters trust in their power to foretell the future, other characters are more skeptical and seem convinced that any talk of prophetic omens is nothing but silly superstition. While
Clarence and
Gloucester express serious concern about the bad omens infesting the kingdom,
Prince Hal never mentions them and seems confident that the only forces determining a kingdom’s future are the wits and actions of that kingdom’s leader. Likewise, while
King Henry IV places huge stock in the power of decades-old prophecies to shape the future,
Warwick laughs off his fears and promises the king that prophecies are nothing but a harmless guessing game.