Wednesday, November 7, 2012

I believe my question relates especially well to Henry IV. This is because it is central to what the main character Hal is trying to accomplish, with changing his identity to the people of England making it possible to step into the role of prince his birthright. Hal in the beginning of the play runs around among common thugs robbing his own kingdom  as well as enjoying a fair portion of "sack" ultimately acting as a hooligan, which is no secret to the English people or court however by the end of the play he has turned that around by accomplishing deeds on the battlefield as well as disassociation of his previous groupies. Initially one almost instantaneously comes to the conclusion that Shakespeare illustrated that one does have control of their future he does this with the diction surrounding Hal which he is constantly stating things he will accomplish and in turn completes. An instance of this is him saying he will slay Hotspur, by the end of the play Hotspur is in fact lifeless due to Hal. Personally I think this is a perfect example of ones life. However it is almost a paradox. Because Hal stepping up and finally becoming a prince well isn't that his fate, his birthright, something he was born into from the beginning?

1 comment:

  1. I like this observation, especially:

    Shakespeare illustrated that one does have control of their future he does this with the diction surrounding Hal which he is constantly stating things he will accomplish and in turn completes

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