... 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 ... the father to so blest a son, A son who is the theme of honour's tongue; (I.1.78-81) His son Hal, as we know from Richard II, has been spending most of his time in taverns accompanied by a group of common scoundrels. Henry continues to lament his son's rowdy...

• Word Count: 1335
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... today. Some cuss or curse words have somehow maintained their original meanings throughout hundreds of years, while many others have completely changed meaning or simply fallen from popular vocabulary. William Shakespeare, though it is not widely taught, used a rather vulgar and dirty vocabulary in his writings. His works included subjects that some people wish they had not. "That ... includes a fair helping of sex, violence, crime, horror, politics, religion, anti-authoritarianism, anti-Semitism, racism, xenophobia, sexism, jealousy, profanity, satire, and controversy of all kinds" (Mac...

• Word Count: 1988
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School

... nurtures, mentors, guides, and influences a younger person through the early years of their life. Using this definition of "father," when looking at Prince Hal in Shakespeare's "Henry IV, Part One," the case can be made that Prince Hal is mentored, influenced and guided by two father figures; King Henry IV, and Falstaff ... Hal's relationship as one of disappointment, frustration and letdown. However, one can look at Henry's expectations as hypocritical because Henry usurped the throne from Richard and did not obtain his throne by being princely, selfless or honorable. This puts into pers...

• Word Count: 1571
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School