False Kings in Henry IV
The first counterfeit king we encounter is Falstaff in Act II. iv. Falstaff and the Prince are talking about the message that a nobleman has arrived with telling Hal that the King says Hal must return to the royal palace by morning, because there is news of a rebellion led by Hotspur and others in the Percy clan. Falstaff believes that the King will be angry with Hal and so he suggests that the Prince rehearse exactly what he will say to his father. Falstaff assumes the role of King Henry and tells Hal off for his lack of morality and respect for his role as heir to the throne. He condemns Hal's band of troublemaking friends, except, of course, for that wonderful guy Falstaff. Falstaff would obviously make a dreadful king. He would waste the treasury money on food and wine and parties. A true King must be noble and honorable, and capable of putting his country before his own
Some might say this was the honorable and necessary thing to do. The 'king' puts down Falstaff as being a fat, useless, drunkard, and Falstaff, playing Hal, defends himself. This is where the Prince finally shows he can be serious about being heir apparent. Such a calculating man could only cause trouble if given too much power. Sir Walter Blunt has sworn his allegiance to King Henry, and he dies on the battlefield to uphold and prove that allegiance. Hal then suggests that they reverse roles and he acts the part of the king. Hal knows that when he finally shows himself to be honorable and noble, people will be in awe of him. He has shows many times through out the play that he would rather be alive than honorable. But what good is a king to his people if he is dead? The prudent king would avoid such a death. Then Douglas swears he will kill all the kings' men until he reaches the true king and kills him too. So while Sir Walter Blunt is in general, loyal, honest, and fine knight, I think his imprudence would not make him a very good king. And it those terms it might be shown that Sir Walter has the qualities and makings of a good King. Falstaff, as Hal, claims himself to be harmless, sweet, kind, and true. Falstaff is too selfish to ever think of doing anything like that.
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