The Molding of Prince Hal through Falstaff and Hotspur
The two characters that tip the scale in Henry IV are, without a doubt, Falstaff and Hotspur. These two repugnant personalities –honorable vs. clownish- are what spotlight Prince Hal by highlighting his two different sides. Shakespeare allows the reader to see clearly the difference between these two characters which creates a middle ground in which you receive Prince Hal. From the beginning we see Prince Hal carry that foolish and witty personality by Falstaff, however a Hotspur-like pride develops in the Prince throughout the story. Shakespeare’s way of presenting these two foil’s traits in great detail helps the reader notice the impact that Falstaff and Hotspur have on Prince Hal and ties those differences together to make similarities among the three. John Falstaff is the comical provider of Henry IV that fulfills the reader’s desire to laugh. This character is one of wit, deceit, and much humor. Being like a father figure to Hal, Falstaff’s purpose in this story is to give the reader a vivid description of what the slums are like. Thieving and cleverness are especially highlighted by the behavior of John Falstaff and although those two together usually mean trouble, for Prince Hal it is more of a window of opportunity. The Prince learns –good and bad- from Falstaff and this is purposely done by Shakespeare to give the parallel identity that defines Prince Hal. Both Falstaff and Hotspur are considered to be foils. However, I consider Falstaff as somewhat of a mirroring image of the other characters, especially Hotspur and Prince Hal. In fact, Prince Hal and Falstaff’s relationship reflects the same relationship between Hotspur and his uncle Worcester, especially in Act I, Scene III, only the characters are swapped. Whereas Prince Hal is synonymous to Worcester and Falstaff is synonymous to Hotspur because in this scene Worcester is giving wise advice (Prince Hal) while Hotspur bickers on about matters without thinking (Falstaff).
The Essay on Hotspur Character Analysis
... in the eyes of the king. Prince Hal’s character is unlike Hotspur on a different level. Hal is the protagonist in the play. ... own son, Prince Hal, was going through a phase of rebellion. Hal pretends to be a vagrant by hanging out with Falstaff at ... reader more insight into Hotspur’s character, and it shows that he is a homophobic blockhead who is married to his own ego. Hotspur ...
By this, Falstaff is portrayed to be like most other people, which sets a perfect example of what Prince Hal is striving not to be. Only instead of using his prestige to reach his goal he is using cleverness and deceit, which is a method he developed from Falstaff. On the other side of the Prince, there is Harry Percy, prominently known as Hotspur. The exact opposite from Falstaff or any other sluggish being that represents Hal’s foul side. To Hotspur, these beings that are at Falstaff’s level are simply a waste, for Hotspur’s interest is fixed on honor and pride. Shakespeare uses Hotspur to present that parallel character of Falstaff that defines Prince Hal as a character who is striving to be what his destiny calls upon. It may not seem like it early on, but Prince Hal cares about his place of duty and honor. However, the Prince has to earn his honor whereas Hotspur has already shown his place in nobility. This is why Shakespeare uses Hotspur as the example that Prince Hal is working to be. To explain further of Hotspur’s individuality, this man of honor, hard work, and pride is not at all a mirroring image of any characters. Hotspur is not like the ordinary, he is prestigious on such a high level that sometimes King Henry IV wishes that he had bore Hotspur rather than his own son, Prince Hal.
With Hotspur being this noble, it only makes it easier for the reader to understand Prince Hal. Shakespeare creates the purpose of why Prince Hal would want to do whatever he can to become noble through Hotspur. Falstaff is the start, Hotspur is the finish line. Shakespeare combines these two characters to show the complexity of the Prince. The way that Shakespeare uses two completely different, compelling characters to create the image of another may seem somewhat misconstrue. However, the way these characters have an effect on Prince Hal is similar to cause and effect, reason and conclusion, and start and finish. There is a motivational asset that leads to something wanted greatly and although Falstaff may seem like a negative motivation he still sets the perfect example as to why the Prince would want more than what Falstaff has. Shakespeare’s use of two parallel characters combines to make the middle ground, the protagonist, Prince Hal.
The Essay on 1 Hen IV Falstaff + Hotspur = Hal
... perhaps the most intriguing--Is Falstaff a foil or mirror of the other characters, notably Hotspur and Prince Hal? We see Shakespeare setting up parallel situations ... that reveal how we should read the characters. For example, ...
