In The First Part of King Henry the Fourth, Shakespeare presents Prince Hal; a young man faced with his coming of age as king. Prince Hal is torn between a world filled with youthful irresponsibility and a world that consists of adult political seriousness. Shakespeare uses several dramatic foils to highlight Prince Hal’s inner conflict. One foil Shakespeare uses is the contrast between the childish Sir John Falstaff and the old-fashioned war-like Harry (Hotspur) Percy. Shakespeare also uses Hotspur as a rival for Prince Hal to measure himself against. Another foil is the parallel between Falstaff acting as a parental guide for Prince Hal and the guidance of King Henry IV the prince’s actual father. Shakespeare also uses setting to highlight the two worlds that divide Prince Hal. Shakespeare constantly switches back and forth between the atmosphere of a noisy tavern and the sober arena of the political world. In the end Prince Hal resolves his coming of age and takes on his own adult existence that is separate from that of his father’s.
In King Henry the Fourth Part 1 Shakespeare contrasts the hedonistic Sir John Falstaff with the virtuous warrior Harry (Hotspur) Percy. Falstaff is the prince’s fat jolly companion. Falsta
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The political arena is very serious and socially charged. That is why at the end of the play the prince kills Hotspur (5. This was like a scale weighted at both sides for the prince. The prince chooses to become an adult leaving Falstaff behind, but not forgetting about what his friend represents. He had to become the leader he promised to be earlier in the play (1. I think Shakespeare is saying that a good leader exhibits these qualities, the noble leadership and understanding of the plight of the common people. King Henry admires Hotspur’s warrior like mentality because he feels that it foreshadows his ability to rule. Falstaff’s friendship allows Prince Hal to explore and vent his childish energy. Prince Hal is the only character who plays a major role in both settings. The prince is capable of understanding the struggles of the common folk in the tavern, but he can also compete in a noble run world.
Approximate Word count =
1018
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4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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