The Transformation of a King

Debatable is the story of Prince Hal and how he undergoes a transformation so infinite we may have difficulty comprehending the struggles he endured. Throughout the course of events in Henry IV, Part I, By William Shakespeare, first impressions of the characters are depicted and remain strong during most of the play. From the beginning of the play it is understood that Hal is an immature extrovert who sees no need for careful behaviors. Unlike his father, King Henry IV, Hal puts forth insufficient effort to prove he can hold the power that will eventually be his when he succeeds his father in the throne. Throughout the play there is controversy between the King and Hal as a direct result of Hal’s performance as a Prince. From gallivanting in the tavern, to fighting in the battle of Shrewsbury, Hal becomes the son that King Henry has been pressuring him to be all along.

The father/son relationship is a significant theme in this play, alongside Prince Hal’s other relationships with important male figures such as Hotspur and Falstaff. Falstaff is one of the favorites of this play, rather obvious that he is the brunt of a multitude of jokes; somehow maintains certain poise. On the other hand, we have Hotspur, a talented and brave young man the King wishes were his son: “That some night-tripping fairy had exchanged/ In cradle-clothes our children where they lay/ And called mine “Percy,” his “Plantagenet”!/ Then would I have his Harry, and he mine” (1.1.86-89). Both Hotspur and Hal are the intended future leaders of their country, but Hal doesn’t seem to understand his role in its entirety (at least his actions haven’t proven his maturity to the likes of King Henry IV). The King would prefer Hal act in a more appropriate manner when...

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...ove to his father that he has what it takes to be the next king, but in the end his father couldn’t be more pleased with Hal’s performance.

Works Cited

Kastan, David Scott. Introduction. King Henry IV, Part I. London: Arden, 2002. 44-51. Print.

Kastan, David Scott. "The King Hath Many Marching in His Coat." 1 Henry IV. By William Shakespeare. Ed. Gordon McMullan. 3rd ed. New York: Norton, 2003. 330-346. Print.

Khan, Coppelia. “Masculine Identifies.” 1 Henry IV. By William Shakespeare. Ed. Gordon McMullan. 3rd ed. New York: Norton, 2003. 330-346. Print.

Reno, Raymond H. “Hotspur: The Integration of Character and Theme.” Henry the Fourth, Part I, by William Shakespeare. Ed. James L. Sanderson. 2nd ed. New York: Norton, 1969. 235-244. Print.

Shakespeare, William. 1 Henry IV. Ed. Gordon McMullan. 3rd ed. New York: Norton, 2003. Print.