Character Analysis of William Shakespeare's Henry V

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Character Analysis of William Shakespeare's Henry V King Henry’s son, Prince Hal, is perceived to be a wastrel, someone that is not befitting royalty. He spends his time gambling, drinking, visiting brothels, and even befriending criminals. King Henry is utterly disappointed in his son, hoping that perhaps he was actually a “changeling”, and Hotspur was really actually his son that was switched at birth. Hotspur on the other hand, is “the theme of honour’s tongue”, a man of integrity who wins battles for the king and is loyal as well. Having victory after victory, while Prince Hal would probably be wasted at some inn. The characters of Hotspur and Prince Hal, I would say, are very different. Prince Hal is a man of great wit. He, although, not princely, appears to have a bit of sense in him. Claiming that mixing with people he knows are not good company is a way in which he will impress others when he takes off his dissolute façade and be what he really is: honourable and great. This would win the affections of eth people, and his father’s admiration. This shows that he still knows the difference between right and wrong, and knows that he should act like a prince when he ought to be. But it may also come across to us as manipulative, because he deceives everyone, just for the sake of adding glory to his name with the contrast of his behaviours. Hotspur is a hot-tempered, impulsive man who is obsessed with the idea of honour, believing that honour comes from winning battles and having an untainted reputation. He is also very stubborn and obstinate, wanting things to be done his way, as seen when the king refuses to release Mortimer, he was willing to rebel against the king and even form allies to overthrow him. Also a very impulsive man, Hotspur makes rash decisions in the heat of the moment. Although Prince Hal, the most likely protagonist of the play, appears to be more humane than Hotspur, I still prefer the character of

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