Honor in Henry IV, Part One Essay - 2363 Words

Honor in Henry IV, Part One In Henry IV, Part One Shakespeare revels in the opportunity to suggest the idiosyncracy of character through his command of a wide range of both verse and prose. As a result the play is full of rich and different character parts (Wells 141). Two in particular, Falstaff and Hotspur, hold diverse beliefs concerning the main theme of the drama, honor. In Shakespeare’s time, honor was defined as the special virtues which distinguish those of the nobility in the exercise of their vocation–gallantry in combat with a worthy foe, adherence to the accepted code of arms, and individual loyalty to friends, family, and comrades in arms (Prior 14). Throughout the play, honor plays an important role in†¦show more content†¦The King complains that ‘riot and dishonor’ stain the brow of his son whereas Hotspur is the theme of honor’s tongue (Wells 141). Henry uses the successes in war of Hotspur, Mars in swaddling clothes, as a rod for Prince Hal’s ba ck (Wells 143), accusing his son of being unfit to inherit the crown. To many critics, Hotspur is immensely attractive and rather comical in his impulsive impetuosity–he that kills some six or seven dozen Scots for breakfast, washes his hands, and says to his wife, ‘Fie upon this quiet life, I want work’ (2.5.102-6). Yet, this commitment to bright honor is a dangerous obsession preoccupying Hotspur so much that he is blind to all else. To Hotspur the more dangerous and perilous a situation, the more desire he has to throw himself helplessly into it. To him there are no consequences; he sees no danger. All Hotspur can see is the possibility of achieving great honors– Doomsday is near, die all, die merrily (4.1.134). Hotspur’s life is no more than a military commitment; he desires only to gain future glory, whether he wins or loses, lives or dies. For Hotspur, who glorifies the honor to be gained in battle against worthy foes, the more hazardous the enterprise, the greater the chance of gaining honor (Prior 14). This concept of honor contrasts greatly with that of Falstaff, a battered old soldier long turned against the nonsense of military glory, who wanders about the Shrewsbury battlefield with a bottle of sack, not a sword,Show MoreRelatedThe Concept of Honor in Henry IV, Part One Essay2355 Words   |  10 PagesShakespeare’s talent as both a writer and a poet lead to his gift for character development, down to the last detail. Henry IV, Part One contains a variety of deep characters, two of which play key roles in the evolution of the concept of honor in the play. Falstaff and Hotspur symbolize opposing viewpoints concerning the main theme of the play – honor. At the time the play was written, honor was defined as â€Å"the special virtues which distinguish those of the nobility in the exercise of their voc ation–gallantryRead MoreEssay on Comparing the Defective Rulers in Henry IV and Richard II836 Words   |  4 PagesDefective Rulers in Henry IV and Richard II      Ã‚   It has been shown again and again throughout history and literature that if there is a perfect human he is not also the perfect ruler.   Those traits which we hold as good, such as the following of some sort of moral code, interfere with the necessity of detachment in a ruler.   In both Henry IV and Richard II, Shakespeare explores what properties must be present in a good ruler.   Those who are imperfect morally, who take into account only self-interestRead MoreEssay on Honor in Prince Hal1001 Words   |  5 PagesHonor in Prince Hal Prince Hal’s destiny is shaped for him by many forces: his association with the neer-do-well Falstaff, the expectations of his father, King Henry IV, and the constant comparison between himself and Hotspur. 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