Honor, Its Own Reality
In William Shakespeare's Henry IV part 1, the character of Falstaff grabbed my attention. He appears to be viewed as a lazy, cowardly, alcoholic bum. Falstaff's personality can be interpenetrated as passive, and it typically is. He never seems to be a "go getter", compared to the valiant Prince Hal and Hostpur. They seek power and greatness. These two achievements are what they consider to be honor. Falstaff has a soliloquy that focuses on the question, "What is honor?" Some readers may just pass this off as another unimportant Flastaffian babel spree. Yet, this where Falstaff's reality is revealed. His almost opposite views of what is meaningful, contour act all that is seen within Prince Hal and Hostpur. Thus, creating an the alternate reality of the work. Falstaff's view of honor's importance as being nothing more than just a word develops another reality. Yet, he doesn't not discredit the fact that he believes in honor, rather that he believes in another meaning of honor.The reoccurring theme of honor develops the explanation of two different lifestyles, truly being two different realities(interpretations of the situation). Prince Hal's view of honor is constructed by his interpretation of what the people and even what his father want and expect in a king. By Prince Hal appeasing to his father and the people's expectations, he will achieve his honor. On the other hand, Falstaff, doesn't see honor as appeasing the people or rather their expectations; but as what he believes is true. Honor itself holds a subtle clout that constructs, or at least sets the foundation, for what people view as importance. What they should strive for and give their all to. Without the reoccurring theme of honor would the characters of Falstaff and Prince Hal's interpretations of the circumstances, they both faces ,still differ from one another?
