In Henry IV Part 1, nobody is ever truly what they seem. To what extent do you agree?

Should anybody, in our time or in the sixteenth century act out their direct intentions? In truth there are situations where it is socially unacceptable to behave in a particular manner. That may sound like common sense today but during the era of Henry IV Part 1 by William Shakespeare it was imperative that characters do not reveal their true aims if they are to survive the high stakes and competition of power hungry aristocrats. It would be so much easier if they could get away with being truthful one hundred percent of the time but to play the power game or to simply get what one desires demands a certain level of manipulation. No ones duplicitous nature rivals that of Prince Hal. Both heir to the English throne and regular tavern-goer, he represents the audiences bridge between these dichotomous worlds. Through use of prose and blank verse respectively he is able to communicate and build a rapport with each party. To the commoners, he is one of their own, and shall merrily command all the good lads in Eastcheap. The various scenes in the tavern which act as light relief between political heaviness would not be the same if Hal had not been present. By acting even more disgracefully than commoners; robbing the thieves just for a laugh; Hal cements his place as one who values pleasure over duty. While he seems very appealing to the audience when bantering cheekily with Falstaff, he causes his father, King Henry much anxiety. As riot and dishonour stains his brow Henry even laments that Hal in contrast with Hotspur though both of the same age, is not the theme of honours tongue or the straightest plant. Far from being oblivious to his fathers worries Hal reveals in his soliloquy his true intentions. They are to remain so secret that only the audience is privy to him redeeming time when men think least (he) will. To those on the outside Hal appears to have undergone a glittring reformation through the play with even Vernon the enemy offering the description of feathered Mercury. Although how Hal behaves is undoubtedly honourable, especially in delivering Hotspurs eulogy, it is apparent that he planned his transformation to arouse great delight from his father and the whole of England. While no one suspects Hal always planned to succeed in the end, there is an entire rebel camp smarting from the blow his father, King Henry dealt them by usurping Richard and superseding Mortimer (part of the Percy family) the rightful heir. Henry opens the play with a monologue on the dismal state of England marred by civil butchery. To join together the aristocrats and show he is a true vessel of God, Henry determines to send a crusade to the sepulchre of Christ. It is obvious that this is a public relations stunt to boost his own personal standing as king because Jerusalem is holy to so many cultures that it is futile to attempt a crusade. His real problem lies in the way he previously broke oath upon oath, committed wrong on wrong to gain the kingship. Though hurt by the accusations against him, Henry offers amnesty to the rebels with grace and love which would hopefully bring them into line. Unfortunately, his reputation as a liar and Machiavelli convince the rebels otherwise and indeed they do refuse his offer twice. A cleverly

employed metaphor Shakespeare puts into play are the many posing as Henry on the battlefield. Those marching in his coats represent the disparity between appearance and reality of King Henry the Fourth. Among those aiming to overthrow Henry, Hotspur is the one most maddened by the injustice of his rule. Figurehead for the rebels, Hotspur is almost always a truthful and transparent character. In some ways, this hamartia is positive, especially concerning his honourable motivations. He truly lives and breathes chivalry on and off the battlefield. When he is not fighting he is hoping for altercation so fields, and blows, and groans applaud (his) sport. Although this is a positive trait, young Percys pride proves to be his defeat. His pragmatic nature and wasp-stung and impatient manner comes to a head at Glendowers Welsh residence. Glendower who believes he is supernatural as the earth did shake when (he) was born is mocked by Hotspur. Though both proud and worthy warriors the juxtaposition of their personalities is striking; one wears his heart on his sleeve while the other is shrouded in enigma. Worcester, Hotspurs uncle and mastermind of the rebellion urges Hotspur to be more tactful. Being valiant and spontaneous may be necessary on the field but in the court a certain double-sidedness will reap rewards. Perhaps this is why he fails in the end with his almost medieval straightforwardness. Shakespeare through the tragic yet foreshadowed death of Hotspur illustrates the rise of the Renaissance man. Times are always changing and to keep up with them is to do what is required of oneself. Hal the chameleon is easily able to somewhat fake his transformation from slovenly taverngoer to dazzling and fair prince. Perhaps he takes after his father who displayed a great deal of trickery to assume the throne. It is possible to read Hotspur like an open book as he projects his true character into everything he does but sadly, to be what one appears may end in misfortune.