Henry IV

A detailed Summary of Henry IV


In Shakespeare's Henry IV, Part One honour is seen throughout the entire play. It is seen in Prince Henry, nicknamed Hal. In his soliloquy he tells the readers that he will change his ignoble ways to be more like a true Prince. Honour can also be seen in Hotspur; he is willing to do anything for it even at the cost of his own life. Falstaff views honour as just another word and those who strive for it just their time. Honour can cause death and drastic change in a person but to some it has no meaning to effect. Honour is a virtue coveted by all men, they are willing to die for it, change themselves to attain it but again to some its nothing but a word.

Hal in the beginning of the play can be described as an irresponsible, an ignoble and a discreditable Prince.King Henry wishes that his son were Hotspur instead of Hal, Hotspur being very courageous, trustworthy, honourable and yearns for battle.

"A son who is the theme of Honour's tongue,

Amongst a grove the very straightest plan,

Who is sweet fortune's minion and her pride;

Whilst I, by looking on the praise of him,

See riot and dishonour stain the brow

Of my young Harry. O,that it could be proved

that some night-tripping fairy had exchange


Left alive, and they are for the town's end to be

he tells informs the audience that he will go under a metamorphosis. He exposes his plan to us, he reveals that he will help Poins rob Falstaff and friends. His plan was to make people believe there's no hope in the Prince and but when people least expect it he will then commit a heroic act. He believes that by acquiring honour he will attain not only fame and glory but also his father's approval and attention lastly his father's love. This concern of attaining his father's love is seen when he receives a message from the King. He is worried about what to say to his own father almost as if he's never met or seen the King before. He asks Falstaff if he can rehearse what he is going to say and do when its time to meet his own father. This just shows how much he is willing to change, only for his father and his father's love. When he is fighting against the Percies he saves his father from Douglas. His father finally gets his honour and excellence but most importantly is that he receives his father's approval and love.

To pluck bright honour from the place fac'd moon

bowels. I have led my ragamuffins where they are

locks; So he that doth redeem her thence

Where the fanthom-line could never touch the

Who doth permit the base contagious clouds



Some common words found in the essay are:
King Falstaff, Hal Hal, Eastcheap Tavern, Prince Honour, Blunt There's, Hal Hotspur, King Henry, Hotspur Hal, Hotspur Falstaff, Walter Blunt's, honour word, father's love, attaining father's love, sir walter, hal hotspur, father's approval, attaining father's, prisoners hotspur, word honour, idea honour, own father,

Approximate Word count = 1185
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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