The Reoccurrence of Rebellion and Robbery

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The Reoccurrence of Rebellion and Robbery In Shakespeare’s Henry IV Part 1 In Henry IV part 1 written by William Shakespeare, there are several reoccurring themes (motifs) throughout the play. During the play we see robbery & rebellion, honor & courage, and wholeness (both individual and national). After reading this play the reader determined that robbery & rebellion is the most important motif and it is seen so frequently throughout Henry IV part 1 it would be impossible for any reader to miss. Robbery and rebellion are seen through traits of specific characters and they are both presented throughout the plot of the play. Although, some characters may be seen more often and some characters may be more important than others, we see robbery and rebellion in several different forms throughout Shakespeare’s work. In the beginning of the play we see rebellion almost immediately. King Henry is in the midst of a conversation with his close friend, Westmoreland, in the discussion he begins to talk about his son Harry: Year, there thout mak’st me sad, and mak’st me sin\In envy that my Lord Northumberland\Should be the father to so blest a son, A son who is the theme of honors tongue […] Whilst I, by looking on the praise of him,\See riot and dishonor stain the brown\Of my young Harry.” (I.i.77-85). The beginning of the play is shocking because the reader hasn’t learned much about Henry’s son. However, it is clear in this passage that Harry is rebelling against his father and dishonoring their name. As heir to the throne, Harry is acting foolish and embarrassing his father. However, on the other side of this argument it can be said that King Henry is actually being rebellious in his own way. He is “writing off” his son and wishing that another man was the heir to the throne. He is being rebellious by wishing Hotspur were his son and not Harry.
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