The Character Falstaff in Shakespeares Henry IV Essay

The Character Falstaff in Shakespeares Henry IV Sir John Falstaff has a number of functions in 1 Henry IV, the most obvious as a clownish figure providing comic relief. His many lies and exaggerations entertain because of the wit and cleverness 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 merry be a sin, then many an old host that I know is damnd. . . . [Banish the others] but for sweet Jack Falstaff, kind Jack Falstaff, true Jack Falstaff, valiant Jack Falstaff . . . banish plump†¦show more content†¦Hal and Falstaffs bantering and wit sparring is mirrored by Hotspur and Glendower in III.i. What the former do in jest; the latter do in earnest. Like Falstaff and his boasting, Glendower holds forth on the mythical portents of his birth and his powers to change the weather. Ho tspur suffers the fool far from gladly. They eventually quarrel over their moity, and Hotspur shows himself to be utterly uncompromising on matters of principle and honor. But in the way of bargain, mark ye me,/Ill cavil on the ninth part of a hair. He shows himself an unattractive character; his rigid insistence on points of honor is self- centered and self-destructive. (In fact, Shakespeare impales all the conspirators by showing them carving up England like a roast--no English audience could be sympathetic.) In his instance on protecting his rights and honors, while at the same time engaging in the most egregious dishonor of rebelling against his sovereign king, Hotspur showsShow MoreRelated The Character of Falstaff in Shakespeares Henry IV, Part I Essay1876 Words   |  8 PagesThe Character of Falstaff in Henry IV, Part I      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Shakespeares genius in character and plot development is exemplified in two of his most complex history plays, Richard II and Henry IV, Part I. With these sequential plays, Shakespeare vividly develops characters and sets up complicated plots by juxtapositioning people with others. 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