Discussing ‘Honour’ in Henry IV (i)

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Discussing 'Honour' in Henry IV (i)

There are differing concepts of honour throughout the play of Henry IV shown by different characters. There are two characters that depict extremes on each end of the scale, Hotspur (Henry Percy) and Falstaff. This essay will demonstrate the different types of opinions towards what honour is from each character and also give a comparison with examples for each.

Hostpur, or Henry Percy, is the son of Northumberland and is a very fiery character with a short temperament and who is quick to jump to conclusions. His idea of honour lies purely on the battlefield and he believes that the only possible way honour can be measured is with the amount of battles won and opponents conquered. He certainly believes himself to be more honourable than any man and this may explain two things. Firstly it will explain his confidence about his fighting and military knowledge as well as his concept that his idea is always the right one. Secondly it may also explain his rudeness, brashness and sometimes complete disrespect when addressing others, especially those in royalty. He gives a good speech when talking to Worcester and Northumberland about his honour and how he has claimed it.

By heaven, methinks it were an easy leap

To pluck bright honour from the pale faced moon,

Or dive into the bottom of the deep,

Where fathomline could never touch the ground,

And pluck up drowned honour by the locks,

So that he doth redeem her thence might wear,

Without corrival, all her dignities. (209-15, I, iii)

This is a great speech that clearly shows two things. Firstly it shows his disrespect when addressing others and his arrogance that comes with it. More importantly it shows that he believes honour can only be earned by doing an act of some kind of bravery. He gives an example of such a deed in the lines 'To pluck bright honour from a pale faced moon' and also 'dive into the bottom of the deep'. He is stating that in situations where there is a problem or where conditions are hard it takes an exceptional kind of man to go into these situations, 'conquer' them and come out with respect and honour. The action of coming from such a situation with honour is depicted in the line 'pluck up drowned honour by the locks, so that he doth redeem her thence might wear'. He is giving an analogy for two things; first the kind of situation at which bravery and courage is required and secondly the kind of person that will go into that situation and come out earning respect and honour. As he refers to these conditions as being battles he is clearly showing that only a man that can use the sword with skill is worthy of being honourable.
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Another quote from Hotspur underlines the fact that he feels honour can only be taken from situations where there is danger and risk.

Send danger from the east unto the west,

So honour cross it from the north to south,

And let them grapple! O, the blood more stirs

To rouse a lion than to start a hare! (203-6, I, iii)

This shows once again the conflict between two sides, this time denoted by positions on the compass, meeting and he feels there is more honour to be won with a great battle ...

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