Essay On Module B – King Henry IV

Resource Description

Choose a character from Henry IV,

Part 1. Discuss how Shakespeare has constructed this character to convey key ideas throughout the play.

Choose a character from Henry IV, Part 1. Discuss how Shakespeare has constructed this character to convey key ideas throughout the play. The character of Hotspur, a fiery, gallant knight in King Henry IV: Part One highlights the dangers of obsession and true princely qualities, the play coming at a time of uncertainty in royal succession. William Shakespeare Iinterlinks the ideas of honour and humour to both humanise and alienate the passionate soldier, giving the audience a glimpse of how the inability to change can corrupt. Providing an opponent for the protagonist Hal, Hotspur twists reality and allows Shakespeare to mould his own history, one in which tension and kingship are paramount. Incapable of change, Hotspur is a vector for the introduction of Shakespeare’s views and does so effectively; the audience knows, that the worst thing you can be, is a Hotspur. Consumed with the notion of an honourable life, Hotspur serves as an example of an ‘artist obsessed’, which Shakespeare uses to highlight the flaws in honour. On the outside, seemingly an emotionless wall of steel, Hotspur is first seen in Act 1, Scene 3, in which he openly criticises feminine traits, displaying overt strength and masculinity. Consumed by appearances, this shows how Hotspur has a need for limelight and greatness; “Methinks it was an easy leap to pluck bright honour from the pale moon.” Fantasizing about power, this metaphor illustrates how Hotspur cannot possibly be the future king England needs – his obsession renders him empty. To elaborate, this is highlighted when on his deathbed, Hotspur is more concerned with his “proud titles” and “youth”, than his wife and family, he lacks a connection with people, a value that both Hal and Henry IV both hold. Shakespeare characterizes Hotspur this way to represent how honour can be dangerous, how intense bloodlust is not the personality of a true king, unlike Henry IV, who wishes to resolve conflict through pacifism. Thus, Hotspur is a tool for Shakespeare to explain how far-right bravery and courage do not account for political tact and princely values, how flaws can arise from such obsession.