Power in Henry IV Part One by William Skakespeare

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Recommended: Machiavelli's political ideas

Humans from all races, morals and cultures have common traits among them. . All people are self-interested; they will never cause themselves to do something except if it is beneficial for them. They can be trustworthy at times, but they will turn selfish, hypocritical and misleading in adverse times. According to Machiavelli, there are four ways to come in to power. This power can be achieved through abilities, wealth or network, crime and lastly by inheriting the position or through the nobles. In Shakespeare’s play, Henry IV part 1, portrays a similar concept. Hal and Hotspur are both ambitious and ravenous for honor. Hal is trying to regain his position in society by defeating Hotspur. Although Hotspur starts with a better reputation, Hal is more superior in communicating with people because he is sneaky, manipulative and conservative about his plans. On the other hand, Hotspur’s bold and impulsive language depicts a fierce impression which scares his family and friends away. Hotspur and Hal are greedy and determined to reach the throne, but whereas Hotspur makes his boldness and bitterness open to everyone, Hal attempts to appear his appearance as foolish and immature until he gets the chance to be the king. Furthermore, Hotspur is indiscreet about the rebellious act, which causes the king to know about the rebellion. First, Hotspur is a hot-tempered man; who cannot control his anger or words, this leads to many people leaving his side not because they are afraid of the king but because of his bad attitude towards them. When Glendower meets Hotspur for the first time, he explains to him how he can demand evil spirits, Hotspur immediately questions his powers and asks him to “tell the truth” and by telling the truth he would... ... middle of paper ... ...the battle, and that he can defeat them. The audience then starts to understand the personality of Hotspur and how much his ego and honor matter for him. Contrary, Hal is smart and avoids hasty decisions; he just surprises everyone by acting tremendously noble, which takes away the spotlight from Hotspur. First, Hal was recognized as a shameful person of his family and country, but he was able to change this idea completely at the end when he defeated brave Hotspur “ O Harry, thou hast robbed me of my youth”(5.4.76) , by doing so Hal proved himself and redeemed his honor in front of everyone. Hal was obsessed of defeating Hal just to prove to himself that he is not a complete failure. Hal is well aware of how much honor and good reputation he has gained just from defeating Hotspur. This will draw the court attention to him; therefore, approving of him as a prince.

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