Sir John Falstaff In Shakespeare's Henry IV

Many of Shakespeare’s works are susceptible to multiple readings and interpretations, including the interpretation of characters. William Shakespeare’s play 1 Henry IV is no exception. The character of John Falstaff has been the subject of many debates regarding his character and whether he is a purely comedic character or if he, in fact, is a character of tragic origins. Falstaff is a character who appears mostly in scenes at The Boar’s Head, which is a pub in the play. There are very moments in which readers can analyze Falstaff for more than a town drunk. Although many believe Sir John Falstaff is a comedic character, the interactions he has with Prince Hal, his alcoholism, his wise soliloquy and his quick thinking on the battlefield portray

At first, Hal plays himself and Falstaff plays Henry. In this interpretation of the conversation, Falstaff is making jokes as well as complimenting himself, as he believes the King should. However, when the roles are reversed and Hal is playing the King and Falstaff is playing Hal, the interaction between the two becomes much more hostile. Hal, in quick succession, insults Falstaff without break. He refers to him as an old fat man, who resembles a devil. Hal relates him to animals, a sack of diseases, a drunk, and a bag full of guts. Hal claims that Falstaff is a man who is villainous and is worthy of nothing (2.4.397-409). After all of these insults, Falstaff, who is, arguably, still acting as Hal, defends himself. He claims that while it is true, he is in fact old, that is no reason for him to be seen as lesser. He says that if “sack and sugar be a fault, God help the wicked” and claims that being old and merry is to be hated, which Falstaff believes is wrong (2.4.416-428). He defends himself from the other insults that Hal has put on him. This interaction between the two further illustrates the hostile relationship between Hal and Falstaff. Falstaff’s attempt to dispel the criticisms that Hal has of Falstaff illustrates for readers that there is more to Falstaff than a comedic aspect. Falstaff is aware how people perceive him as he brings up his age in many of his conversations and makes jokes about himself drinking sac constantly. This scene in particular is open to multiple interpretations and many suggest that this interaction is a friendly one and the criticisms are all in good fun but the power dynamic between the two makes it impossible for them be on truly equal grounds. This power dynamic is taken further when Hal takes on the role of the king. By taking on the role of the king and insulting Falstaff, there is an even