Discuss Shakespeare's portrayal of Hal in Henry IV Part One.

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Oliver Markham 5PMD       Bradford Grammar School                         37137

Discuss Shakespeare’s portrayal of Hal in Henry IV Part One

Shakespeare wrote 10 history plays in all, 8 of these make up a series of 2 tetralogies, or sets of 4 plays each. Placing them in chronicle order, the metrologies are: (1) Richard II, Henry IV part 1, Henry IV part 2, and Henry V, (2) Henry VI part 1, Henry VI part 2, Henry VI part 3, and Richard III. Henry I part 1 was written in 1596-1597, and was and still is one of the most popular Shakespeare plays ever written. The reason it is not so popular as other plays such as Romeo and Juliet (tragedy) and Taming of the shrew (comedy) is that it is a history play. Contrary to popular belief history plays are not completely historic and do contain main humorous and romantic scenes, characters and settings. An example of this is Falstaff, adored and loved by audiences in both past and prescence. He was so popular that another 2 plays were wrote about him. (Henry IV part 2 and Merry Wives of Windsor)

Although Shakespeare wished to the play as close to the historical truth as possible he also had to make sure that he did not upset the Tudors in doing so. He must infact be careful to praise the Tudors. Elizabeth was in reign and so if he had upset the queen in any way there could have been a severe price to pay. After Edward III died, his successor Richard II took over. He was later murdered and it was thought that Bullingbrook (Henry IV) had had him killed so that he could take the throne. There was still however a stronger claim to the throne, Edmund Mortimer; descendant of Lionel, Duke of Clarence. It was thought that Bullingbrook had unrightfully taken the throne from Mortimer. However in Shakespeare’s play it is shown that Bollingbrook is deeply saddened by Richards death and that the Mortimer’s had passed the throne to bollingbrook. This would have pleased the Tudors.

Another way in which Shakespeare keeps on the good side of the Tudors is with the use of hal’s “reformation”. The fact that Hal had once been an immature and foolish young prince, who was in no way fit to be a king yet he had changed so much to take on his new role as the king. This makes Hal and the Tudors look greater leaders as Hal has in a way “turned over a new leaf” and proved his honour.

At first Shakespeare does not portray Hal as a model heir to the throne. This is because of the regular visits to the tavern, Falstaff being his main fatherly figure, the drinking and the robbery at Gads Hill. However I Act 1 Scene 2 when Falstaff and Poins have planned the robbery and Hal has agreed to go along with it he reveals his true feelings and his reasons for taking part. He intends to reform and act as a true prince:

        

“My reformation, glitt’ring o’er my fault,

Shall so how more goodly, and attract more eyes,

Than that which hath no foil to set it off,

I’ll so offend, to make offence a skill,

Redeeming time when men think least I will”

 Hal’s soliloquy suggests a sharp awareness. Hal knows the nature of his true character, though it may seem different in the light of his actions. Till the soliloquy Hal seemed to ignore his status, and disobeys not acting in a princely manner. His behaviour during the scene is far from being the proper behaviour for a prince. The soliloquy presents the awareness Hal has for himself and the environment. The fact he is aware of his true self since the beginning emphasizes the maturity and the strength of his character. Hal also believes that when he reforms from his old ways that he will appear as a greater person having changed so much. He intends to reform at the point where people will least expect it.

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Shakespeare Portrays Hal as a model heir to the throne by comparing him and the relationships he has with 3 of the other main characters; the king, Falstaff and Hotspur. Shakespeare at first portrays Hotspur as a better heir to the throne than Hal. The King dislikes Hal so much he wishes that Hotspur was his son and he believes that Hotspur and Hal must have been swapped at birth. (Act 1 Scene 1).

“O that it could be proved that some night-tripping fairy had exchanged

In cradle clothed our children where they lay,

And ...

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