The Importance of the Conflict and Resolution in King Henry IV Part I
The conflict and resolution of a play are its most important features. The conflict is the opposition of forces that ties one event to another and makes the plot move. Without conflict there can be no plot and hence there can be no drama. The resolution or denouement is the tying up of ‘looses ends’. This plays an important role also as it is vital that all the unresolved issues be ‘cleared up’ before the ending of the play.
There are two types of conflicts- external and internal conflicts. According to Spudgirl, “King Henry IV Part I centres on a core theme of conflict between order and disorder”. This is indeed true, as conflict is pivotal in this genre. The exposition of the play centres on conflict its opening lines, “So shaken as we are, so wan with care”, uttered by King Henry, exemplifies both types of conflict. The first type of conflict, i.e., the external conflict is reflected in these lines. England is undergoing civil war and this conflict brings out the political and social setting of the play.
“The political instability stems from the very manner in which Henry acquired the throne”- Kaston. It is ironic that even though Henry has attained the throne he is unable to unify the country. The exposition also focuses on Henry’s inner conflict. The very first lines he uttered in scene one, is an indication of the unstable condition of his mind. King Henry is never forgetful of how he came to be on the throne and his usurpation of King Richard II is a constant reminder of his guilt. His constant use of “No more….” In lines 5,7 and 8, highlights his physical and mental weariness. Henry is aware of his illegal claim to the throne and the political instability of England stems from his very actions. In fact “Henry’s presence on the throne troubles the notion that kings rule by divine sanction and political disobedience is blasphemy as well as treason”-Kaston. The king represents the head of state and the state, the body. Once the ‘head’ is tainted the ‘body’ also becomes tainted.
