How to Analyse Shakespeare: 'King Henry IV' used as example [HSC English Lit Program #7]

[@eshaylord3950]

Surely team Hal. Hal is the teller of his own story, so he doesn't actually develop as a character, he WRITES that development for himself. His character is not a product of the "Hero's journey" storytelling trope, he CONSTRUCTED it for himself. While Falstaff disregards honour because of its performative and inauthentic nature, Hal EMBRACES it, using Hotspur's straightforward and chivalrous perspective on honour as a PR tactic to orchestrate his glorious rise to power. Hal is the master, ladies and gentlemen. Hal is the GOAT. Team Hal all the way

[@morphiuscharge]

Hal has these arguably three character foils: Henry 4, hotspur and falstaff. These three characters are informing how Hal should present himself through the play, he shows face depending on the environment of the scene, Hal chooses ultimately a monarchy ambition rather than a rebellious ambition in hotspur or a thievery/hedonistic ambition in falstaff. Hal I would think fell into, much in line with the predetermined theocratic context in Shakespearean time, his position provided by his own circumstances and foils

[@miettehancox9762]

Thanks guys, this was a really useful resource to use for revision.

[@miettehancox9762]

Also I won't lie, team Hal. I hate him so much but he really finessed the system.

[@ArtofSmartTV]

@@miettehancox9762 Haha, awesome to hear!!!

[@alfieashton5485]

lovely stuff perfect for my exam coming up

[@pdaddy4898]

i agree

[@ArtofSmartTV]

Best of luck!

[@DL-hb9ry]

Team Hal. I love how he is able to fake it the whole way through. It's kinda Machiavellian.

[@Laocoon283]

Falstaff is the brosef

[@ScienceOfTruthC]

Team King Henry