How does Shakespeare use symmetry, in which scenes or even people seem to be slightly altered reflecting the other scenes or people in order to make his point?
In addition to the political quarrels, William Shakespeare has depicted several comparisons between characters and settings to mirror situations in Henry IV. King Henry has juxtaposed Hal and Hotspur, Hal enjoys diversions and humour whereas Hotspur is exhibited in a serious manner. Contrasted again, Hotspur is the epitome of honour contracting to Falstaff who believes honour is nothing.
Falstaff is notoriously cowardly and is convinced that honour is only a word, “air”. Hotspur is the opposite, prone of anger and violence and so honour-crazed that he bemoans Prince Hal’s lack of military …show more content…
That juxtaposition of extremes also enables Shakespeare to convey a central theme of the play, the nature of true honour, represented by Hal, who embodies the happy medium between Falstaff and Hotspur. Hal, unlike Hotspur, enjoys diversions and humour, but not to the drunken, cowardly excess of his friend Falstaff. Hal draws the line between him and Falstaff, distinguishing between frivolity and ‘grey iniquities’. Hal didn’t take part in the Gadshill robbery since he didn’t want to be a ‘reverend vice’. He realises behind the humour accompanying Falstaff and others that he has a duty to the royal court, to be gallant and noble. When questioned if he wanted to join in a robbery, he replied “Who, I rob? I a thief? Not I, by my faith. Hal realises that his faith is to the Royal court, and he must abide by some of these standards. This is exemplified when he even reimburses the stolen money to those who have lost it, as he differentiates himself from being part of the ‘minions of the moon’. Despite being shadowed by the ‘contagious clouds’, Hal is still rather honourable as he is admirably courageous in defending his father and his kingdom from Hotspur, but, unlike Hotspur, he is not in constant conflict
In addition to the political quarrels, William Shakespeare has depicted several comparisons between characters and settings to mirror situations in Henry IV. King Henry has juxtaposed Hal and Hotspur, Hal enjoys diversions and humour whereas Hotspur is exhibited in a serious manner. Contrasted again, Hotspur is the epitome of honour contracting to Falstaff who believes honour is nothing.
Falstaff is notoriously cowardly and is convinced that honour is only a word, “air”. Hotspur is the opposite, prone of anger and violence and so honour-crazed that he bemoans Prince Hal’s lack of military …show more content…
That juxtaposition of extremes also enables Shakespeare to convey a central theme of the play, the nature of true honour, represented by Hal, who embodies the happy medium between Falstaff and Hotspur. Hal, unlike Hotspur, enjoys diversions and humour, but not to the drunken, cowardly excess of his friend Falstaff. Hal draws the line between him and Falstaff, distinguishing between frivolity and ‘grey iniquities’. Hal didn’t take part in the Gadshill robbery since he didn’t want to be a ‘reverend vice’. He realises behind the humour accompanying Falstaff and others that he has a duty to the royal court, to be gallant and noble. When questioned if he wanted to join in a robbery, he replied “Who, I rob? I a thief? Not I, by my faith. Hal realises that his faith is to the Royal court, and he must abide by some of these standards. This is exemplified when he even reimburses the stolen money to those who have lost it, as he differentiates himself from being part of the ‘minions of the moon’. Despite being shadowed by the ‘contagious clouds’, Hal is still rather honourable as he is admirably courageous in defending his father and his kingdom from Hotspur, but, unlike Hotspur, he is not in constant conflict