Defining the Principles of Honor in Henry IV
In the Shakespeare’s play Henry IV the word honor is used in various forms thirty two times. If one looks up the definition of honor in a dictionary, there is a concise meaning to be found. The American Heritage Dictionary’s definition is thus: 1. High respect, as that shown for special merit; esteem. 2a. Good name; reputation. This concrete description of the word is not disputed and is relied upon in the scholarly world as a representation of the common understanding. The idea of Elizabethan honor would have most likely been in accord with this modern definition. Especially the idea of a good reputation, for in Shakespeare’s times one’s family name and honor coincided. However, the four major characters in Henry IV; Henry IV, Prince Harry (Hal), Henry Percy (Hotspur), and Falstaff; seem to have come to determine their own separate stance on how honor works and to what degrees this idea holds an importance to them personally. The way in which their honorable ideologies have defined their character provides a distinct correlation on how their reputations have been established in the eyes of the public.First off, the rebel king Henry IV brings up the introductory discussion of honor. By bringing up the attributes
Being wanted, he may be more wonder'd at, an arm? no: or take away the grief of a wound? no. Revenge the jeering and disdain'd contempt No; yet time serves wherein you may redeem At the start of the play we see Hal and Falstaff play in a witty repartee at the tavern. Knowing that he is the heir to the throne, the audience begins to have doubts about Hal’s character from this uncouth behavior. But alas, he surprises us all with a assertive soliloquy in which he sets the stage for his future growth. To answer all the debt he owes to you honour? a word. What is in that word honour? what In envy that my Lord Northumberland
Some topics in this essay:
Henry IV,
Hal Falstaff,
Heritage Dictionary’s,
Hotspur Hal,
V1130-136 Falstaff,
Majesty Quit,
Shrewsbury Falstaff,
Hotspur Falstaff,
Falstaff Hotspur,
Richard II,
henry iv,
king henry,
hal goes,
honour hath,
definition honor,
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Approximate Word count = 1335
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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