The effect of scenes from the two plots in Acts I, II, III is how the scenes of Prince Hal and his somewhat common life with his life of prostitutes, thievery and severe alcoholism with his leech like friends Poins, Peto, Bardolph and of course the laughter provoking likes of Sir John Falstaff which is compared with prince Hals fathers (King Henry) life of leading England towards victory over the rebels, who at the current point of focus is Hotspur, the impetuous young knight who King Henry himself commended for his gallant behavior in the battle at Homledon against the Scots in which he defeated them. Following Hotspur in his rebellion against the King (because of matters regarding prisoners being handed over) is the Earls of Worcester, Douglas and Northumberland, Edmund Mortimer, Owen Glendower and others.
The opening Act portrays how Hotspur has fought this horrible battle in Homledon against the Scots, and while King Henry praises his efforts, he is also discomfited that while this young brave man is off fighting wars, his son, the heir to throne, Prince Hal, is found in taverns through the common class peoples areas of England, drinking wine and playing jokes on his friends, whom many are common folk of the London area. This is beginning to bring thoughts that perhaps Hotspur may usurp the crown and young Hal may never arise to the occasion of being the English ruler due to his outlandish, anti social behavior. Later we come to see that the King is refusing to help Hotspur's friend and relative, Mortimer, which in hand leads to the hot headed young knight to rebel against the King and plan usurpation.
In the next Act (Act II), we see how Gadshill (the robber) plans the robbery and how it will fall into place. As a joke Poins, Peto and Hal all decide to play a joke on Falstaff (who is with Gadshill) by pretending to rob them of their loot. Falstaff then makes Gallant claims of the robbery committed him against while everyone knows he is doing nothing but lying.
