In the past awful meant important why did Henry mean here?

In the context of Henry's use of "awful," he likely meant something significant or impactful, as the Word originally derived from "full of awe." Historically, "awful" conveyed a sense of reverence or majesty, rather than the negative connotation it has today. Therefore, Henry may have been emphasizing the weight or importance of a subject, reflecting awe-inspiring qualities rather than something merely unpleasant.