The Character Falstaff in Shakespeares Henry IV Essay -- Henry IV Hen

The Character Falstaff in Shakespeares Henry IV Sir John Falstaff has a issue of functions in 1 Henry IV, the most obvious as a clownish figure providing comic relief. His some(prenominal) lies and exaggerations entertain because of the wit and acumen he employs to save himself from paying debts and answering for crimes. He in many ways represents an everyman--a sinner with little shame or honor, who nonetheless maintains at least an outward concern for honor and appearances. If sack and sugar be a fault, God help the wicked If to be old and delighted be a sin, then many an old host that I know is damnd. . . . Banish the others but for sweet Jack Falstaff, kind Jack Falstaff, lawful Jack Falstaff, valiant Jack Falstaff . . . banish plump Jack, and banish any the world. (II.iv) Clearly, Falstaff hopes to exculpate himself by arguing that his sins are no worse than everyone elses. And it is this medical prognosis of Falstaff, that he is like the others, that is perhaps the most intriguing--Is Falstaff a foil or mirror of the other characters, notably Hotspur and Prince Hal? We see Shakespeare setting up line of latitude situations that reveal how we should read the characters. For example, many critics see a kind of instructor/student or even father/son relationship in Falstaff and Hals relationship. This relationship is not filled with mutual respect however. Falstaff no motion hopes that his fraternizing with the young Prince will mean a pay-off in titles, money, and prestige when Hal comes into power. Falstaff asks the Prince, Do not thou, when thou art king, hang a thief (I.ii) snitch is after all Falstaffs vocation, so he shows here that he is already thinking of how to gain an advantage of the future kings influence. As for Hal, he c... ...honor of the bawdry house, of the drunken boast, but true honor that is based in detail and in deed. He can rise to the occasion of besting the best of the foemen. He rejects his false father Falstaff and r ushes to the aid of his real father, saving him in battle. Yet, he has taken something from Falstaff too, and that is his humor, his flexible mind, his joy of life. He lets stand Falstaffs absurd introduce that he Falstaff has killed Percy. In this, Hal shows modesty and true self-confidence. To that he has blended Hotspurs intrepidity and honor while avoiding Hotspurs brittle hair-splitting and unalloyed pride. In Hal, Shakespeare successfully merges the cardinal extremes of Falstaff and Percy into a human and humane whole.Works CitedShakespeare, William.Henry IV.In The Norten Anthology of English Literature.Eds. M.H. Abrams et all. 5th Ed. saucy York Norton, 1987.