Prince Hal and Falstaff

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how the relationship between Falstaff and Prince Hal is among the most interesting, most talked about, and most analyzed story lines in all of William Shakespeare?s plays, and for good literary reason. It looks at how even a cursory description of the dramatic emotional, intellectual, socioeconomic, psychological, and physical differences between the characters, and between their manners and styles, sets up a myriad of potential juxtapositions from which to attack existing analyses or forge fresh ones.

From the Paper:

"First, prior to examining what Falstaff wants from Prince Hal, a look at what there is about Falstaff which attracts Hal. A careful reading of Acts 1 through 3 clearly reveals that Hal does not hang out in the tavern because of any character flaw on his own part, or obsession with alcohol to the point of needing to be drunk; or from any corrupt desire to pursue low-level ambitions of the flesh. To the contrary, Hal is drawn to the Eastcheap tavern environment because he is fond of Falstaff. Hal is greatly impressed by Falstaff's irrepressible humor and superior wit, and Hal obviously is both amused and delighted when Falstaff recovers from embarrassing circumstances by pure brainpower and charm."

More papers on Prince Hal and Falstaff:

• Analytical Essay # 90701 : "Character Analysis: Prince Hal"
• Analytical Essay # 122256 : "Prince Hal in "Henry IV"
• Analytical Essay # 51121 : "Hotspur and Hal"

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