Henry IV, Part One

In the first of these two excerpts, Moody E. Prior examines the place of honor in the disorderly world of Henry IV, Part One. He discusses how Hotspur, Hal, Henry and Falstaff perceive honor. In the second excerpt, G. M. Pinciss bases an examination of honor and courtesy on two books, The Courtier and The Governour, that were commonly read at the time Shakespeare wrote Henry IV, Part One. Pinciss argues that while Hotspur is primarily concerned with honor throughout the play, Hal represents a comparable virtue: courtesy.

The theme of honor in Henry IV, Part One is most often examined by critics as it relates to Hal, Hotspur, and Falstaff. Critics such as Moody E. Prior argue that Falstaff represents a rejection of honor. Gordon Zeeveld maintains that Falstaff does not cynically respond to honor, he simply and realistically recognizes that warfare (pursued by Hotspur in the name of honor) is inhumane. Similarly, Carmen Rogers points out that Falstaff observes and comments on "false honor" as represented by Hotspur. Most critics, including Paul Siegel, G. M. Pinciss, and Prior, generally...

Henry IV, Part One | Honor