Honor In Henry Iv Part 1

In Shakespeare’s play Henry IV Part I, the concept of honor plays a key role in the actions different individuals throughout the play. Honor is a broad word that encompasses various definitions and varies from person to person. Thus, it is no surprise that the main characters also perceive honor in their own specific ways. However, the key aspect of the variability lies within the distinction of class. However, each character perceives honor differently, which in turn leads them to very different courses of action. Three particular individuals who take honor into account differently throughout the play are Prince Hal, Hotspur, and Falstaff. For Hotspur, honor relates to feelings of duty on the battlefield and reputation, while Hal believes

Shakespeare conveys the various themes by a stylistic method alternatively depicting the two extremes of society. Through comparing the nobility to the commoners, Shakespeare implies that the two distinct classes operate parallelly but contrasting in concepts of honor. Through dialogue and actions of the main character Prince Hal, King Henry, Falstaff, and Henry Hotspur, Shakespeare implies the variation among all social statuses on the concept of honor and the actions taken to improve honor. The idea of honor changes between each individual and the theme honor does not one specific meaning, but instead has meanings specific to each character’s interpretation which fluctuates honorable

One of the initial points of tension between Hotspur and King Henry comes when King Henry demands Hotspur’s prisoners of war. Hotspur’s eventual decision to rebel comes after his father and uncle explain that Mortimer, Hotspur’s cousin who the king will not ransom, is the rightful heir to Richard’s throne. Hotspur’s rebellion, then, is not dishonorable treason, but a genuine effort to restore the monarchy to its just line. Shakespeare gives Hotspur justification, and explains his honorable motives supporting his choices and actions. Later, Hotspur discusses a plan to overthrow the king with Northumberland and Worcester and his plan involves fighting and defeating the king’s army on the battlefield, and connecting honor to battle. Hotspur explains how they have been discarded and shamed by the king they helped, and he goes on to say “yet, time serves wherein you may redeem/ Your banished honors and restore yourselves/Into the good thoughts of the world again, / Revenge and jeering and disdained contempt/Of this proud king, who studies day and night/ To answer all the debt he owes you” (1H4I. iii. 184-189).