Shakespeare’s Henry IV part I follows the transformation of numerous characters. The King of Wales son, Prince Hal, is seen going through one of the most apparent transformations, a form of self redemption. Initially, Hal is introduced as a thief, associating with the gutter of Wales. He completely disregards any responsibility given to him by his father which provides as a huge disappointment to the King. Eventually it seems as if Hal’s bitterness towards his fathers admiration for Hotspur, a fierce warrior, leads him to abandon his life of folly for a more honorable path. In actuality, when behaving like a drunken menace, Prince Hal is intentionally staging the contrast for his dramatic return to honor, waiting for the proper moment to transform into the son that his father believes he should be. Through multiple thieving actions throughout the play, Prince Hal establishes himself to the audience as an immoral, undeserving prince. The first impression we receive of Hal is through Falstaff's retaliation to one of Hal’s
…show more content…
Hal begins his discourse by asserting the fact that he is “upholding the unyoked humor” (1.2.173-174) of his companions good for nothing behavior, meaning that he is merely acting like them on purpose. Marjorie Garber, the author of Shakespeare After All, believes that Hal displays a “startling degree of intent and control” (329) in his speech. I agree with Garber’s belief entirely. Hal puts on this escapade “to smother up his beauty from the world” (1.2.177). In doing so Hal creates a situation where his return to honor will be “more wondered at by breaking through the could and ugly mist” (1.2.180-181). The audience will be so accustomed to Hal acting with idiocy that when he finally decides to act in such a way that reflects a true prince they will be in awe. This creates the same situation as how King Henry took over the throne, by having the commoners awestruck by
Hal begins his discourse by asserting the fact that he is “upholding the unyoked humor” (1.2.173-174) of his companions good for nothing behavior, meaning that he is merely acting like them on purpose. Marjorie Garber, the author of Shakespeare After All, believes that Hal displays a “startling degree of intent and control” (329) in his speech. I agree with Garber’s belief entirely. Hal puts on this escapade “to smother up his beauty from the world” (1.2.177). In doing so Hal creates a situation where his return to honor will be “more wondered at by breaking through the could and ugly mist” (1.2.180-181). The audience will be so accustomed to Hal acting with idiocy that when he finally decides to act in such a way that reflects a true prince they will be in awe. This creates the same situation as how King Henry took over the throne, by having the commoners awestruck by