Student Question

In Henry IV, Part 1, what purposes does Shakespeare's use of contrast serve?

Quick answer:

In Henry IV, Part I, Shakespeare uses contrast to make a statement on different conceptions of honor. To this end, a significant contrast is drawn between the easygoing Prince Hal and the more hot-tempered Hotspur, for whom honor is everything. The contrast between the royal palace and the Boar's Head tavern, where Hal hangs out with various low-life characters, illustrates the breadth of class differences in English society.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

Henry IV, Part I is replete with contrasts of many different kinds, each of which serves a particular dramatic purpose. One good example of this is the contrast between Prince Hal and Harry Hotspur. Whereas Hal is a bit of a wastrel, an upper-class hooligan who spends most of his time hanging out with the dregs of society in a grotty little tavern, Hotspur prides himself on being a man of honor. Indeed, for the hot-tempered Hotspur, honor is everything. Hal, on the other hand, just wants to have fun. Unlike Hotspur, he doesn’t take his duties as a future king seriously at all.

Contrasts are also used by Shakespeare to highlight the sheer breadth of English class distinctions. No greater contrast could be observed than the social gulf that separates the future king of England, Prince Hal, from the gang of cutthroats, thieves, and prostitutes with whom he regularly consorts at the Boar's Head Tavern.

All human life can be observed at the Boar's Head, and all social classes, too. This is a strongly hierarchical society, and the scene in the tavern gives us a privileged glimpse into what would’ve been very rare social interactions between the English upper classes and their supposed inferiors.

A neat contrast is also to be had between this den of iniquity and the royal palace where Prince Hal lives. Hal's mind is in one place, the tavern, but not the other. The contrast between these two very different places further highlights just how immature the young prince is at this stage of his life, as well as his lack of seriousness about taking on the awesome burdens and responsibilities of kingship.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial