Honor In Falstaff's Henry IV Part One

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What is in that word honour? Ventured by Falstaff, this query underpins that many philosophical, physical and internal battles in Henry IV Part one. Be it through the baseness of the scoundrels at Eastcheap, the schemes of the rebels, or the regality of the royal court, Shakespeare’s characters exemplify humanities contrasting interpretation of honour. This dichotomy is encapsulated by King Henry and Sir John Falstaff, and the divide between royalty and commonage leaves Prince Hal torn between two influential, albeit flawed father figures. Yet, it is ultimately within this struggle that Hal manages to harmonize their conflicting ideologies. Amidst a cacophony of extreme personas, it is Hal’s ability to balance leadership with conviviality that…show more content…
While Falstaff’s ideals are pernicious, Henry’s condition is “to cold and temperate” and it is this very unsuitability to the throne that leads England to decay under his rule. He speaks contemptuously of “vulgar company,” “gibing boys” and “vile participation” in everyday life, illustrating his disdain for the common man. Simultaneously, he also idolizes Hotspur as “gallant,” “the theme of honours toungue,” and the “straightest plant…amongst a grove”. Yet in reality, Henry and Falstaff are both flawed role models, while Hotspur is also proven to be an inadequate leader. His ideas are deemed “dangerous,” “hare-brained,” and “uncertain” confirming that honour is not confined to valorous fighting. It is thus Hal who emerges as an optimal marriage of courage, intelligence and connection to the people. Encapsulating the best of both societies, Hal earns ‘grace’ and a ‘princely tongue’ as he grows into the archetypal leader England requires. Defeating his nemesis Hotspur in battle, Hotspur’s final words “thy wound my thoughts worse than thy sword my flesh,” which exacerbate his incompetence as he values honour, an intangible concept, above his own livelihood. Contrasting Hotspur’s desolate view of life and humanity, Hal remarks “two stars keep not their motion in one sphere” identifying his values, and leadership superior to that of Hotspurs, as he…show more content…
Steeped in the middle of this metaphorical contest, Prince Hal experiences the contrasting philosophies of both Falstaff and King Henry, both of which are unable to rule successfully or honestly. Hal’s ability to amalgamate the mentalities of his two father figures ultimately proves perfect, as Hotspur’s failures elucidate true honour isn’t narrowed to the accolades he
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