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.
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