Hotspur constantly speaks in a derisive tone to others and often rudely interrupts them in pieces of dialogue. In this particular scene, Hotspur is being portrayed by Shakespeare as a disrespectful character. He bluntly denies Glendower’s boast about his magic powers and mocks him when he mentions the meteor shower that occurred on the night of his birth, “Why, so it would have done at the same season if your mother’s cat had but kittened, though yourself had never been born.”, which lets his antagonistic ego to foster friction between his allies. His obvious opinions is not necessarily a bad trait however, as this shows us that he wears his heart on his sleeve, and is very honest with others; whether it be negative or positive. “Let me not understand you, then; speak it in Welsh.” This recurring characteristic adds character development to Hotspur.
When it comes to plot development, Hotspur forgetting the map at the start of the scene shows that he is impractical and has a lack of foresight. Also, his lack of sophistication and refinement is shown when he insults literature, meaning Shakespeare portrays Hotspur as very uncultured. His fiery and argumentative side is exhibited with his use of imagery in the scene, however his political naivety in also revealed as he allows personal feelings to intrude on his personal relationships, and presents his lack of diplomatic maturity.
Hotspur’s arrogance is exposed when he begins arguing for the sake of arguing after interaction with Glendower in a battle of wills makes Hotspur boast after Glendower gives in, and once again feeds into his egotistical side. Another thing established in this scene is Hotspur’s reputation, as after more interaction with Glendower, he reveals what others say about him and that he has a renowned, infamous and fearsome reputation. Hotspur is known to be a brave, ruthless warrior in battle. His short temper and reckless attitude has not only gained himself a nickname, but also a rash status. Hotspur’s best trait, his boldness and quick temper, is also his worst flaw, as he may be valiant in battle but cannot manipulate or work with allies, and is very tactless. His quick temper causes him to alienate Glendower, one of his family’s most important allies, which is not a smart move.
Hotspur is not only rude to his allies, but also his Lady. He jokes to her “Come, Kate, thou art perfect in lying down. Come, quick, quick, that I may lay my head in thy lap.” He later says “Come, Kate, I’ll have your song too.” To which she replies “Not mine, in good sooth.” Instead of letting it go, Hotspur becomes enraged at Lady Percy; “Not yours, in good sooth! Heart, you swear like a comfit-maker’s wife!” He tries one last time to convince her “Come, sing.” But she still won’t, to which he leaves in anger; “I’ll away within these two hours, and so come in when ye will.” and leaves her in tears. Hotspur disregards other’s feelings and wishes, even his Lady’s.
This brings up Hotspur’s cruel ways and his childlike actions when he does not get his way, along with his selfishness, and his irresponsibility towards his personal relationships.
In this scene, Shakespeare continues to portray Hotspur with a mocking attitude, a hot tempered mind, his open mind and the fact that he is a ruthless fighter, and starts to bring up his self centered, impatient and immature acts, that is mainly brought to our attention through his interaction with other characters and his actions during heated and normal moments, from battle, to conversations in the Boar’s Head Tavern.
by
liammallon (student)
