Shakespeare introduces Prince Hal in Act I by having him compared to Hotspur, his rival. King Henry is very disappointed in his son’s actions and wished he and Hotspur were switched at birth: “Then would I have his Harry, and he mine” (1.1.89). Prince Hal spends most of his time with Falstaff drinking and being a menace to society, which disappoints King Henry greatly, and makes him envious of Hotspur’s father, lord Northumberland:

Yea, there that mak’st me sad, and mak’st me sin

In envy that my lord Northumberland

Should be the father to be so blest a son-

A son who is the theme of honour’s tongue,

Whilst I by looking on the praise of him

See riot and dishonour stain the brow

See riot and dishonour stain the brow

Hal, the impressive young warrior comes alive in the battle against Hotspur. Hal is described:

Yea, there that mak’st me sad, and mak’st me sin

As full of spirit as the month of May,

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