English Module B quotes and analysis

Intro/ Context

Restless and turbulent 15th century England

Historical Play-follows rise of english royal house of Lancaster

Multiplex elaboration of the difference in the views of the pre-established notions of Kingship within the monarchy of England

Differences presented through character foils in the form of the different virtues of Kingship such as values in Honour, Undivine Leadership and adverse Father roles.

Thesis

Shakespeare's complex elaboration of difference in his play King Henry IV Part 1 allows for the exploration of the multiple perspectives of kingship in the changing socio-political landscape in Elizabethan society

"A son who is the theme of honour's tongue"

Shakespeare's anthropomorphic language portrays Hotspur as the embodiment of Honour

said by King Henry IV

Theme: Honour

By heaven, methinks it were an easy leap, To pluck bright honour from the pale-faced moon,

Shakespeare's metaphor of honour being plucked from the moon reflects Hotspurs ultimate goals to attain honour

said by Hotspur

Theme: Honour

"O Harry, thou hast robbed me of my youth."

The dramatic and emotional portrayal of Hotspurs death by Shakespeare highlights his embodiment and attachment towards Honour, being robbed by him by Prince Hal in his death.

Said by: Hotspur

Theme: Honour

"What is honour? A word. What is in that word "honour"? What is that "honour"? Air. A trim reckoning!"

Shakespeares' use of rhetorical questions and metaphor of air highlights Falstaff's lack of consideration for the honour due to his existentialist psyche.

said by Falstaff

Theme: Honour

"I have misused the King's press damnably. I have got, in exchange of a hundred and fifty soldiers, three hundred and odd pounds."

Shakespeare's use of monologue reveals Falstaff's dishonourable actions as a result of his abuse of power

said by Falstaff

Theme: Honour

"Yet Herein will I imitate the sun"

"Being wanted, he may be more wondered at/ By breaking through the foul and ugly mists"

Metaphor of the sun and the mist to convey the role of his macchiavellian façade to gain knowledge of his kingdom through the common people.

said by Prince Harry

Theme: Leadership

HOTSPUR

But soft, I pray you; did King Richard then

Proclaim my brother Edmund Mortimer

Heir to the crown?

NORTHUMBERLAND

He did; myself did hear it.

Dialogue and suggestions to the audience between Hotspur and Northumberland allow the audience to be aware of Henry's unorthodox claim to the throne and the instability of his leadership present throughout the kingdom.

Said by Hotspur and Northumberland

Theme: Leadership

"the soul of every man prophetically doth bethink thy fall"

Dramatic irony of King Henry's eventual downfall and Prince Hal's eventual accession to the throne highlights the unique leadership skills he possesses.

said by King Henry IV

Theme: Leadership

"To bear our fortunes in our own strong arms,

Which now we hold at much uncertainty"

Collective language suggests the instability of the kingdom under Henry IV as a whole and the rebellion present inside of the high ranking officials.

said by Worcester

Theme: Leadership

"Though I be but the prince of Wales, yet I am king of courtesy"

Metaphor of the King of "Courtesy" reflects Prince Hal's successful assimilation with the common people, with common folk taking a liking to him.

said by: Prince Hal

Theme: Leadership

Banish not him thy Harry's company,

Banish not him thy Harry's company.

Banish plump Jack, and banish all the

World.

Shakespeare's use of foreshadowing and repetition reveals the desperation Falstaff has for keeping ties with Harry due to his undesirable company that prevents him from being King

said by Falstaff

Theme: Role of Fathers

"See riot and dishonor stain the brow

Of my young Harry."

Visual imagery of dishonour and riot staining Harry by King Henry displays his animosity he has towards him for further disintegrating his appearance as the King of England

said by King Henry

Theme: Role of Fathers

"Do thou stand for my father and examine me

upon the particulars of my life"

Shakespeare's use of dialogue between Falstaff and Prince Hal reveals Hal's desperation for a father figure that treats him sympathetically, ultimately allowing for the audience to feel sympathy for him.

said by Prince Hal

Theme: Role of Fathers

"That, in his secret doom, out of my blood

He'll breed revengement and a scourge for me."

Metaphor for Prince Hal as a plague to King Henry further emphasises his hatred towards him as a son due to tarnishing his appearance as King. (implicates Hal as the cause for his instable reign)

said by King Henry IV

Theme: Role of Fathers

"If the rascal hath not given me medicines to make me love him, I'll be hanged."

Shakespeare's use of hyperbole and the metaphor of the Love potion exemplifies the close relationship that Falstaff and Prince Hal have and how it can remain strong despite animosity held towards eachother.

said by: Falstaff

Theme: Fatherly roles

Honour topic sentence

Shakespeare's elaboration of differences in the views presented for Honour by Falstaff and Hotspur highlights the individual's differences in their personality and goals.

Leadership topic sentence

King Henry's alienation from his society as a result of his illegitimate leadership contrasts Prince Hal's association with the common people to gain knowledge in his eventual role as King.

Fatherly roles topic sentence

Shakespeare's complex elaboration of the different values of fatherly roles of Falstaff in the tavern and King Henry in the King's palace displays the divided nature of the society both physically and emotionally through the interactions and attitudes towards Prince Hal.