May 16, 2008

Henry IV, Part One | Falstaff (Character Analysis)

He is the dishonest but appealing "fat knight" who is Hal's friend and a regular at the Boar's Head Tavern. Given to thievery, drunkenness, and overeating, Falstaff is part of the "rude society" which King Henry accuses of corrupting his son and heir, Prince Hal (III.ii.14); he is also the central focus of most of the comedic scenes in the play and the topic of considerable literary discussion.

Originally named Oldcastle, Falstaff is the quintessential example of the stock braggart soldier character type common to Elizabethan comedy. Just as Hotspur is too big in spirit, Falstaff is...

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Henry IV, Part One | Falstaff (Character Analysis)

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