William Shakespeare s Henry Iv - 1328 Words

Throughout the play Henry IV part 1, Shakespeare was able to depict the concept of honor through many different individuals. Three main characters that Shakespeare choose to display the concept of honor are Prince Hal, Hotspur and Falstaff. However, each of these characters interpret the word â€Å"honor† differently. Hotspur has an obsession with honor and believes it’s one of the most important roles a leader has to show. He relates honor to the duties that he serves on the battlefield and repetition. While Falstaff believes that honor is a word that only stays with people who have died, therefore he finds no importance in seeking honor. Prince Hal was able to find a balance between the two which allowed him to show key features in a leader†¦show more content†¦However, he has defeated Archibald and taken prisoners which included few with high political status.Including Mordake, Earl of Fife, and the leader of Archibald’s eldest son. King Henry then b egins to express how impressed he is of Hotspurs achievements. â€Å"In envy that my Lord Northumberland should be the father to so blest son: A son who is the theme of honor’s tongue.† Within this statement the King is implying that Hotspurs father (Northumberland) is blessed to have such a successful and fearless son, and that he is a perfect example of a man with honor. This truly shapes the concept of honor that Hotspur takes on through the rest of the play. Since he has now been so honored by the King for his bloodthirsty acts on the battlefield Hotspur nearly became brainwashed and allowed his words to shape his every thought. He then made a plan to ransom Mortimer. In which the King soon refused to do. Hotspur viewed this as a dishonorable action of the King so he then seeked out to overthrow the King with Northumberland and Worcester to regain the honor that was lost through the Kings mistreatment to him. This shows that Hotspur believes he will gain honor by fighting in battles, and even if he dies he still would die with great honor. Hotspur goes on to say â€Å"To pluck bright honor from the pale-faced moon, or dive into the bottom of the deep.† This projects how far Hotspur is