Abstract
This paper takes a look at how Shakespeare shows his audience the noble and ignoble nature of honor and chivalry in the behavior of the play's main characters Henry Percy, Henry Prince of Wales, Sir John Falstaff, and King Henry the Fourth. An examination of "Henry IV" shows how Shakespeare demonstrates these 16th century values of honor and justice to his audience.

Tags:honor, elizabeth, I, england, virtue, valor, glory

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
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
This paper explains that, by naming his Chancellor and friend, Thomas Becket, to be Archbishop of Canterbury, King Henry II created the devastating conflict between these men, which affected not only the English monarchy, but also the country of England itself. The author points out that King Henry II's reign can be broken down into three specific events: (1) his endeavors to reconstruct the England of his grandfather, which started his quarrel with Becket; (2) his efforts to develop the legal machinery of his grandfather and create a new foundation for English government, which was soon thwarted by Becket; and (3) his vain attempts to resolve the problems of governing a difficult empire and controlling an unruly family by placing his sons in a position as sub-rulers in the empire.

From the Paper
"King Henry II (1154-1189) was obviously one of the most remarkable and tragic figures in English history. A great amount of information is known about him, for he lived and reigned during an age when it was common to observe about the monarchy through oral and written records, especially when a king such as Henry II was popular with contemporary society. However, a good deal of his subjects hated him and his numerous enemies found him too intelligent and overwhelming; those that were close to him, such as Thomas Becket, feared his occasional outbursts of great anger and were often exasperated by his unpredictable reactions to certain situations within his realm and his family."

Tags:family, religion, cannonized, government, monarchy

Abstract
This paper examines King Henry and Prince Harry's discourse in Shakespeare's "Henry IV" Act III, Scene ii in order to determine what both men considered to be desirable soldierly and leadership values. The paper highlights these values to be modesty, in the sense of exercising restraint in taking advantage of one's popularity and showing humility in the face of the enemy, as well as glory through courageous deeds on the battlefield and in war as a whole.

From the Paper
"The discussion between King Henry IV and his son Prince Harry of Wales in Act III Scene II of Shakespeare's Henry IV Part I reveals much about the central theme of the play: leadership and soldierly values. The scene depicts King Henry reprimanding Harry on what he considers to be behavior not befitting a future King and hence also drawing into question his suitability as a sovereign. During the ensuing discourse, Henry contrasts Harry's manner with how he thinks a young prince should act. In a reply which pleases the King, Harry pledges he will change his ways and prove himself worthy of his royal position. From a modern perspective, this scene provides an excellent base for the reader to form opinions on the leadership and martial values conveyed by both Harry and Henry IV."

Tags:leadership, values, humility, glory, courage

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

Abstract
This paper presents a character analysis of Henry and Hal, two of the main characters in Shakespeare's play, "King Henry IV", and shows how Shakespeare, by comparing and contrasting these two characters, was able to display the attitudes of both the nobility and the commoners and foreshadow Hal's ability to become a stable, successful ruler.

From the Paper
"Hal's feelings towards his father reflect the feelings of the commoners towards the king. Hal's soliloquy, "I know you all..." (I, ii 183-205) reveals Hal's moral awareness and scorn towards the character he has used to disguise his true frustration with the standards that the king has disgraced. A noble and virtuous young man deliberately masquerading as a dissolute prodigal, Hal is not likely to overlook the deep moral blemishes in his father nor the hypocrisy of Henry IV's assumption of rightful kingship. However, as the King's subject and heir, Hal is denied all means of expressing his contempt for the dishonorable means by which Henry IV has maintained and stolen power. By showing contempt for the king, Hal would be following the example of Henry IV's disloyal behavior towards Richard II, and siding with the rebels who now challenge Henry IV's fitness to rule."

Tags:overthrew, richard, ii, stability, nation, scorn, prodigal, son, dishonorable, stolen, maintained, power

Abstract
This paper discusses how Shakespeare focuses on the fact that honor can means different things to different people, and it can also be regarded as less than virtuous in some minds. It shows how Shakespeare clarifies the definition of honor in "King Henry," but he leaves the issue muddy in "Measure for Measure." He leaves us with personalities that may not seem be honorable ultimately being the most honorable of all. It is such characters that have made Shakespeare unmatched in his skill.

From the Paper
"Isabella becomes the focus of honor and "doing the right thing" in Shakespeare's "Measure for Measure." During the course of the play, she is propositioned by three different men to break her vows and go against her conscious. Her honor is important to her, and she does not accept Angelo's proposal. In fact, she is forthright in her initial reaction to Angelo's request. In other words, she knows what he is all about. Even as Angelo begs Isabella to "Believe me, on mine honor,/My words express my purpose" (II.iv.46-7). She responds, "Ha! Little honor to be much believed,/And most pernicious purpose! Seeming, seeming!" (II.iv.49-50). This scene helps us appreciate Isabella because she knows the right thing to do, despite what it means for her brother. She declares she will, "live chaste, and, brother, die:/More than our brother is our chastity" (II.iv.185-6). She is disgusted by the attitudes that surround her and to remove herself from it, she decides to enter a convent."

Tags:chaste, character, virtuous

Abstract
The paper explores how many of Shakespeare's quotes serve as a to-do list of universal maxims that we would be wise to follow in life. The paper looks at "Much Ado About Nothing", "Twelfth Night", "King Henry the Fourth, Pt. 1", "Measure for Measure" and "King Henry the Fourth, Pt. 2" and their lessons on how we lose sight of the ideals of our heart. The paper shows how whether it is through our inability to handle our emotions, our loss of respect and consideration for the sensibilities of others, or the treachery man has shown a propensity for committing in the pursuit of power, Shakespeare continued to teach us the way we trip up as human beings.

From the Paper
"We can learn a lot from the plays of Shakespeare. Not only does he teach us about specific plots episodes, but he teaches us about life as well, offering a veritable To DO list of comportment and universal maxims for us to follow in life, and that society has embraced in his words for decades. Shakespeare was always a great author, but people still take for granted the amount of truth in his words that they apply to everyday life. Many of the maxims that we live by in functioning and achieving in life are fastened to fateful statements that he made through his words and works."

Tags:emotions, relationships, power, passion, love, treachery

Abstract
The paper discusses "Richard ll " by William Shakespeare. The paper states that the play in itself is a representation of the decline of the static, hierarchical structure and of the rise of individual power within a power structure. The paper comments that the structure of the play shows four different phases. The first one is the initial state of the realm, with Richard II as King who acts like a sovereign, judging two noblemen and their dispute. The second phase occurs when Bolingbroke overthrows the King in III, 3, showing that a single individual has the power to thwart the King's plans. The third stage takes place when Richard II gives up his power to Bolingbroke. The paper notes that this is the symbol of the decline of the royal power. Finally, the last and fourth point is the official coronation ceremony of Bolingbroke as King Henry. This event is the proof that a single individual can rise within a power structure. The paper also includes a summary of the play.

From the Paper
"Bolingbroke defeats Richard II, in III, 3, whereas he is supposed to be less powerful than the King. Indeed, if the King would have managed his troops well, he would have been at the head of an army of thousands soldiers, ready to fight for him. Instead, he is only surrounded by some close allies and friends. On the other hand, Bolingbroke has managed to gather together a lot of men coming different places, such as Brittany (II, 1, 287-290). Bolingbroke invades the north coast of England while Richard II departs to Ireland to make war. One by one, Richard's allies desert him and join Bolingbroke. When the King goes back, it is too late and he has to surrender. This shows, on the one hand, the bad management of Richard II, and on the other hand, that a single individual such as Bolingbroke has been able to raise enough resources by himself to counterattack a King and his power. This is where the difference between a great leader and a leader by lineage is."

Tags:different, phases, high-ranking, bad, management