Analysis of Act V scene iv of Shakespeares Henry IV
One of the most important aspects of 1 Henry IV is the development and transgressions of Hal who is the Prince of Wales and heir to the throne. The play's focus on the family reminds us that the struggles England endured through its growth were largely struggles inside the royal family. Hal's character is at a point where he is unable to define who he will be; a responsible part of the monarch, as his father would like to see, or a rogue as is John Falstaff. Throughout the play the prince keeps company with Falstaff, who is indeed a knight but hardly acts as one would hope. He lies, robs travellers and frequents the bar and whorehouse owned by Mistress Quickly. By scene iv of the fifth act it is clear that the Prince will fulfil his role and embrace his noble birth by standing with his father to fight against the rebels. At the end of the battle Hal makes it clear to himself but also to Falstaff that he will no longer be amongst his clan of rabble rousers.Undoubtedly Prince Hal is a noble character on a small scale and as early on as the second scene in the first act he is hinting at his uncertainties about his role in the state. He states: "So when this loose behavior I throw off / and pay the debt I never promised..." I
Prince Why, then I see I am the Prince of Wales; and think not, Percy, The change that takes place within Henry, Prince of Wales is exemplified through his language and his actions. This change is finalised in the second to last scene, leaving only one brief interaction with his Father, the King, between his break away from his previous lifestyle and the end of the play. Hal's acceptance of his role within his family as well as kingdom is indicative of finding the reality of honour within himself. The fact that this epiphany comes so near the end of the play brings Hal's journey to an end, giving the play a sense of closure and resolve. Hal's decision also serves to give his character psychological depth, and thus further differentiate him from the tavern characters. Hal's discovery of princely honour functions to fulfil the concept of honour as an inherent trait of nobility and thus makes his separation from Falstaff an inevitability.
Some common words found in the essay are:
Wales Percy, Prince Hal, Henry IV, Father King, Prince Wales, Hal Falstaff, Douglas Hal, Falstaff Earlier, Hotspur Hal, Mistress Quickly, henry iv, battle hal, prince wales, hal's decision, 1 henry iv, falstaff liar, debt promised, moved beyond, hal falstaff, deny name, loose behavior,
Approximate Word count = 1520
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
|
