After the King and his attendants leave the room in Act 1 Scene 3, Worcester returns to his brother and nephew, and Hotspur unleashes an enraged speech. He claims that the King may have a secret motive for refusing to help him ransom Mortimer. Hotspur is also bitter because his own family members helped the King overthrow former king Richard II, and were valuable in King Henry’s rise to power, making Hotspur angry at the thought that King Henry has forgotten the debt he owes to the Percy family. In this particular scene, especially with Hotspurs tone of voice, he is portrayed as a resentful character.
Hotspur interrupts Worcester several times when he tries to tell Hotspur his plan, showing Hotspurs impatient side and the fact that he does not like listening to others. However when Worcester finally tells Hotspur his cunning yet complicated plan, Hotspur agrees to it and declares “Why, it cannot choose but be a noble plot”, as in to say “There is no way this excellent plan won’t work” Hotspurs sneaky and easy influenced ways are shown as, not only does he think it’s a great plan, but his mind was easily changed from keeping the prisoners and doing things his way to following other’s plans.
Hotspurs vengeful flame is shown once again towards the end of Act 1 Scene 3, when he says “We’ll be revenged on him” in response to Worcester’s plan. Hotspur loves the idea of revenge and believes that this is where honour is gained and lost. He cannot wait to go to battle. He lives for war.
Hotspur’s dialogue in this scene is very typical as he is a very detailed speaker and can use words powerfully, but he has a hard time keeping his temper and is always interrupting others. This shows that Hotspur, as a character, doesn’t think before he acts, as he is always aiming for war and not willing to strategize with his allies.
Hotspur is highly concerned with honor, which he shows in his rant about the ‘popinjay’ who spoke down to him after his victory at battle; “To pluck bright honour from the pale faced moon, or dive into the bottom of the deep, and pluck up drowned honour by the locks” This shows that not only that he is ready to face danger in pursuit of glory but also that he has a very obvious conception of honor; that it will surge or decrease in war.
Liam Mallon 13B Mr. White A-Level English Literature