Falstaff in "Henry IV"

Paper Summary:

This paper explores the role and character of Falstaff in Shakespeare's play "Henry IV". The paper acknowledges Falstaff's role as comic relief and his part in Prince Harry's life. This friendship is considered in the paper as well. Several opinions of Falstaff from noted Shakespeare experts are presented along with the writer's view of this character. The paper concludes by stating Falstaff was a necessary figure in the play because he was the only character with whom Prince Harry spoke candidly and often truthfully.

From the Paper:

"Falstaff made life exciting for Prince Harry, and he was fun to be around. His character is in sharp contrast with the nobility which will be Harry's companions at court when he becomes King, and seems to be quite dishonest by comparison. However, in some ways, he is truer than any of the noblemen, because he is quite candid concerning his own self interest. It is not that he does not lie. He does, in the last scene of Act II, when he tells about how he and his companions were robbed by other highwaymen after capturing their prize, "All! I know not what you call all; but if I fought not with fifty of them, I am a bunch of radish: if there were not two or three and fifty upon poor old Jack, then am I no two-legged creature." Harry and Poins were, of course, the robbers who fell on them as a practical joke, and they all fled immediately. As Falstaff tells the tale and answers questions the lies become more and more exaggerated."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bloom, Harold, ed. Falstaff /. New York: Chelsea House, 1992. Questia. 7 Dec. 2006 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=102555976>.
• Goddard, Harold C. "Henry IV." Falstaff /. Ed. Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House, 1992. 110-124. Questia. 7 Dec. 2006 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=102556084>.
• Weis, Rene, ed. Henry IV, Part 2. New York: Oxford University, 1998. Questia. 7 Dec. 2006 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=58756856>.
• Wilson, J. Dover. The Fortunes of Falstaff. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press, 1944. Questia. 7 Dec. 2006 <http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=270539>.

More papers on Falstaff in "Henry IV":

• Analytical Essay # 150070 : "The Unity of Robbery and Rebellion in "Henry IV Part 1"
• Book Review # 145757 : "Fathers in "Henry IV, Part 1"
• Analytical Essay # 122256 : "Prince Hal in "Henry IV"

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