What Is The Juxtaposition Between Comedy And Drama In Henry IV Part 1

A weekly episodic dramedy based upon Henry IV Part 1, the juxtaposition between comedy and drama as well as the family drama between the Percy’s and the Plantagenet’s provide fertile ground for compelling must-see television. The show will be a modern rendition taking place in modern day London, in the midst of a very unstable political climate. The language of the original play will be kept intact, as it is a crucial aspect in understanding the differences between the two Henrys. The scenery and costumes will be very upscale and luxurious, expensive tailored suits and palaces are the standard due to the wealth and prestige of both families. Regalia such as crowns and staffs are also still utilized. The only departure from the high-class settings

The moment that would serve as the pivotal dramatic to the arc of the show would be Act II, scene IV. This definitive scene is broken up into a number of vignettes, but most of the action occurs in the tavern scenes. It is in the tavern that Hal first learns from the corpulent and genial drunkard Falstaff of the rebellion that Hotspur and the Percy’s are planning. Falstaff playfully suggests that the Prince and he workshop the impending conversation with the king, but what begins as a spirited game quickly turns into something deeper. Falstaff and Hal have a very unique relationship, and they are both very verbally astute so the banter between them escalates quickly. In his mockery of the king Falstaff is able mimic him quite well (the language of Act III, scene I specifically). The convincing counterfeit is proof that through proper usage of language it is possible to sufficiently beguile others into thinking you are something you are not, or at the very least have them believe the nonsense you are

When it is his turn to play the part of his father he takes the opportunity to verbally lambaste Falstaff. His rouse allows him to the first time speak his mind without fear of losing face in front of the common folk. His roleplaying allows him to indicate an underlying animosity that comes to a head in a later history play. Hal is strategic if nothing else, as if he has written the timeline of his life and is just reading from a script. Hal is written his own history well in advance and is merely going through the motions, he rarely if ever seems to go ‘off script’. Strategy and calculation are invaluable tools to a great politician, provided they can hide these qualities long enough to gain the approval of the public. Through expert use of language Hal is able to transverse between high and low language, a skill that most other nobles cannot master. Hal is both a strategic mastermind, a writer of his own history and a great actor. All of these skills have the potential to make him a great ruler or politician. If Hal had lived in a democratic society rather than a monarchy I have no doubt that he would have been elected president. Essentially the television show would be a mix of House of Cards and Henry IV part one, a devious adaptation centered on a cunning and captivating protagonist. Politicians are constantly using language to ‘write