Abstract
This paper examines the use of legitimacy as a theme in the play, "King Henry IV," by William Shakespeare. The paper includes a discussion of the legitimacy of the king and his rule, as a well as a close look at Prince Hal. The paper contends that Henry's legitimacy becomes the center of all of the major crises in the play and, thus, is a major and binding theme.

From the Paper
"From the moment Shakespeare's play 1 King Henry IV opens, the legitimacy of King Henry's crown is a major theme throughout the play. Not only does it become the justification of the Percys and others violent revolts against Henry, but it can also be used to explain the disobedient acts carried out by Hal, King Henry's son and heir to the throne. King Henry's usurpation of the throne and act of regicide lead to consequences that will spoil his reign illegitimate."

Tags:prince, hal, percy

Abstract
The falsification of the audience's expectations and Hal's miraculous emergence as a great English king, alongside the Hal-Falstaff relationship out of which the future king's identity is gradually constructed, are the main critical puzzles in most studies of the William Shakespeare's "King Henry" series. The paper examines concepts of fraud and politics in parts one and two of "King Henry IV" and in "King Henry V". It discusses notions by literary critics such as Stephen who claim that Hal is one of Shakespeare's most Machiavellian characters. The paper argues that Machiavelli's Prince is not sufficiently cruel or sophisticated to be ranked with Prince Hal, despite the fact that Falstaff's cry for help, voiced in his paradoxical accusation that the Prince has corrupted him, seldom succeeds in inverting the audience's impression that Falstaff is Hal's misleader.

From the Paper
"The concept of necessity, as it arises from the morality-patterned Phychomachia, reinforces providentialist notions, an idea first advanced by Tillyard but in a rather different context. Religious providentialism fuses the personal and political domains and Hal's borrowing from the theatrical and diachronic anthropological deposit causes the interweaving of theatrical illusion with politics, thus displaying their common structural patterns. The fusion of religion, politics and theater culminates in Hal's gradual conversion to virtue, which is at once a milestone in Hal's allegedly privileged relationship with God, a major political event, and a stock trick of Elizabethan drama."

Tags:Harry, Hotspur, Eastcheap, Ancient, Pistol

Abstract
Honor, the central theme in Shakespeare's Henry IV, Part 1, is embodied primarily in the two main characters. This essay compares and contrasts the concept of honor as lived by Hotspur and Prince Hall, making frequent use of quotes to substantiate claims. Other characters, King Henry and Falstaff, who Shakespeare finds useful in this major treatment of honor, are also discussed.

From the Paper
"One of the main themes around which Shakespeare dramatizes the history of his country in The First Part of King Henry IV is honor. To the Elizabethans honor was a major topic of debate as it had been to Englishmen of all ages. Honor is a complex subject, highly personal to some, highly public to others. Honor can be something for which one quietly stands, or about which one shouts in flowery language. The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast some of the various forms taken by honor as represented in Shakespeare's Henry IV, Part I."

Tags:falstaff, hal, hotspur, prince, Shakespeare, Henry, IV, honor, Elizanethans

Abstract
This paper looks at how in the play "Henry V", Shakespeare presents a portrayal of an ideal king and discusses the qualities that he possesses. It examines how Shakespeare uses the story as a tool to depict the qualities that an ideal king would possess and how he does this by showing Henry different situations to see Henry reacts to them. It also analyzes how Shakespeare also contrasts the difference between a good king and a good man since at time Henry is forced to do things for the good of the country that would in normal situations be considered wrong, unjust and immoral.

Outline
Introduction
Transition: Prince Hal to King Henry
Learned
Just
Merciful
Charismatic and Inspiring
Focused and Dedicated
Heroic and Brave
Problems
The Man Behind the Crown
Conclusion

"Henry V" is not the only Shakespeare play that focuses on Kings and their qualities. Shakespeare, in his historical plays, has examined many different types of leaders, from Richard II, whom he shows to be a weak, indecisive king, struggling to keep control, to Richard III, portrayed as a homicidal tyrant who never let anything or anyone get in his way.

From the Paper
"In "Henry IV part II" we see the prince Hal as unruly, wild, out of control, and with friends that would certainly not be considered good enough for a future king. However, at the beginning of Henry V King Henry is respectable, learned and completely different to his former self, they could almost be considered two different people entirely. The transition between these two different personalities is never fully explained, but it seems that the catalyst was his father death, and thus his inheritance of the throne and the responsibility of being King. Henry is forced to become a good king because the country needs a good king, and Henry is loyal to his country."

Tags:prince, hal, agincourt, harfleur

Abstract
This paper discusses how William Shakespeare's play "Henry IV, Part 1," although called a 'history play', is just as much a play about relationships, specifically dysfunctional relationships between fathers and sons. The paper examines how Henry IV spends most of the play openly rebuking his son Prince Hal, only to find himself betrayed by the man he says he wishes were his son, Harry Percy, known as Hotspur. It also examines how Prince Hal, on the surface, seems to reject his father's warrior mentality, although he says he is only engaging in 'prodigal' behavior like drinking, stealing, and 'wenching' as a public relations ploy before he becomes king. The paper concludes that Prince Henry's behavior is an act, a carefully staged move to seem low, because Hal is determined to become an even greater leader than his stern father.

From the Paper
"Hal's primary relationship is with Sir John Falstaff, a fat old man even more dissipated than the prince. Hal and Falstaff seem to have more of a close father-son dynamic than Hal does with his own father, although Hal keeps the upper hand by tricking Falstaff and publically mocking Sir John, much the way his father mocks Hal. This suggests Hal does have emotional needs that remain unsatisfied, and are only fulfilled with his relationship with Falstaff. However, by the end of the play, Falstaff clearly demonstrates that he has his own personal interests that he places above Hal's needs to secure his reputation. Hal learns at the end of ``Henry IV, Part 1'' that he can only really trust himself. He cannot trust Falstaff, his surrogate father, to tell the truth, and he cannot trust his real father's advisors to believe that he is also a great warrior."

Tags:Hal, Falstaff, Hotspur

Abstract
This paper compares the characters of Prince Hal and Hamlet in William Shakespeare's plays "Henry IV" and "Hamlet, Prince of Denmark". The paper analyzes the dramatic aspects of each character. The paper illustrates the personas that each character creates for himself, in addition to their personality as defined by the author. The paper highlights the constant contrasts between Prince Hal and Hamlet.

From the Paper
"Shakespeare is of course a dramatist, that is, he was an author of plays with fictional characters in them, portrayed by real people known as actors. Yet quite often Shakespeare's fictional characters are themselves 'actors' in their own life stories, creating personas that they play in addition to acting out their true, 'real life' struggles of the plot as defined by the author. For instance, Prince Hal, of Henry IV, Part I and Hamlet are two such individuals-the first pretends to be a rouge, even though he is really a skillful prince and politician destined to be a king, the second is an avenging son who assumes madness as a truth-telling device, and also as protection for his eccentric actions and behavior in a fraught Danish court. "

Tags:hal, king, madman

Abstract
This paper examines William Shakespeare's plays, "Henry IV, Parts I and II", and, in particular, looks at how Henry misjudges his son and cannot see that Hal, who is not guilty of usurpation and regicide, will be able to unite the now divided kingdom. It shows how Henry's faults and strengths cause him to symbolically reflect the struggle for progress, represented by the bridge between the corruption of England during Richard II's reign and the unity of Henry V's kingdom. It also explores how, after the "struggle" ceases and Henry IV dies, Prince Hal becomes King Henry V ,and the previously divided nation progresses by integration.

From the Paper
"Hal's adoption of the commoners is best described by the Duke of Warwick when he says: "The Prince but studies his companions, / Like a strange tongue to gain the language" (Pt. II, IV, iv, 76-78.) Hal is like a growing tree basking in the sun, Henry IV is the gardener who planted Hal's seed, and the commoners form one of Hal's developing branches. By growing into a man "of all humors," (Pt. I, II, iv, 89) Hal is becoming his entire nation in an individual form, which is symbolically what a king is. Hal has studied the commoners well and is able to both talk and think like them, as portrayed in Hal's witty exchanges with Falstaff. Hal's desire to adapt to the needs of the various peoples of his country foreshadows the harmony that will dominate England when he is king."

Tags:england, monarchy, richard, ii, kingdom

Abstract
This paper discusses how, in these two Shakespeare plays, the transformations of characters are a big part of the plots. The paper first looks at how the character of Prince Hal begins "King Henry, Part I" pretending to be a foolish ruffian only to shock the country by accepting the King's challenge of becoming a noble leader. This sincere change is plotted out by Hal the whole time, therefore making him either excessively brilliant or more of a scoundrel. The paper then examines how, in contrast, the transformation of Jessica, in "The Merchant of Venice" is more of a surprise. At the start of "The Merchant of Venice," she is trapped in a home she hates, unable to pursue her artsy ambitions. She then finds her love and becomes a free woman. The paper maintains that Shakespeare used these genuine character revisions to show how relevant personal growth is in our own world, the real stage.

From the Paper
"As a very complex character, the real nature of Hal is very difficult to pin down. As the play begins, he is cunningly displayed as a thief mapping out the next robbery with his fat friend, Falstaff. However, despite the disgraceful plans he is drawing out, the sharp wit of Hal can be easily detected. In an entertaining fashion, he and Falstaff exchange witty puns and familiar banter. This is the first clue that Hal is more than meets the eye. Shakespeare blatantly accented Hal's dishonorable actions with an intelligent and crafty personality. Although Hal hangs out with lower characters that provoke him into doing vile deeds, Hal seems to be genuinely above his actions and his friends who all play a role into his bigger and more valuable plan."

Tags:prince, hal, jessica, falstaff, shylock

Abstract
This paper examines courage and justice as seen in Shakespeare's play "Henry IV" Part I. An analysis of the story reveals Shakespeare's views of the virtues of kings through his comparison of the characters of King Henry IV and his son Prince Hal. Examples from the text are provided to compare and contrast these character traits in the two characters.

From the Paper
"Henry IV Part 1 is one of the greatest history plays by Shakespeare because it doesn't focus on the intricacies of politics but tries to highlight the essential virtues of a king in the making. It is important to study this play as a prelude to its subsequent parts because here we encounter all the important characters and playwright offers us a rare insight into the characters of both the King Henry IV and his son.
While it is easy to read the play like any other history plays with battles and political treachery dominating the entire plot, but I personally believe that this play was written to comment on what should be the essential traits present in the future king of England. Shakespeare also invites his readers to compare the character of son with that of his father's who was known as a usurper because he snatched power from Richard II."

Tags:king, history, England, battle, political, ruler, courage, trickery, justice

Abstract
The paper outlines Henry VIII's early life, how he was influenced by Thomas Wolsey, and how his familial life would lead to the eventual severance of the Church of England from the papacy. The paper points out that despite his scandalous marital escapades and bloodthirsty nature, he also built on a grand scale and brought unity to a previously fractious society.

Outline:
Introduction
Early Life
War and Wolsey
King Henry VIII, The English Church and its Break with Rome
Other Achievements
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Henry was born in the royal palace at Greenwich, on June 28, 1491. His early education was directed by the poet laureate John Skelton. Henry was not only very athletic, enjoying jousting, tilting and other sports, but he also had a keen mind. He spoke at least three languages and some of his music compositions are still performed today. Although Henry was the second son of King Henry VII, with the death of his older brother, Arthur, in April 1502 Henry became heir to the throne of England and Prince of Wales. Fourteen months later, in June 1503, at the age of 12, Henry was also betrothed to Catherine of Aragon -- his brother's widow and the daughter of Ferdinand II and Isabella I of Spain1. When Henry VII died in April 1509, Henry VIII became King of England2, setting England on a new course of history, albeit a tumultuous course."

Tags:Thomas, Wolsey, Church, of, England, papacy, Catherine, of, Aragon, Ann, Boleyn, Jane, Seymour