Transformation_Of_Prince_Hal

Transformation Of Prince Hal Prince Hal’s representation of “self” in Part I Henry IV is deceiving to the reader. Hal is portrayed as being a cowardly drunkard and a disgrace to his father, King Henry. But, as the play progresses, the reader will soon see Hal’s transformation from a low life to a noble warrior. Hall will reveal to the audience his method for madness, and when the time is right, Hal will accept his rightful possession of the throne. Shakespeare represents Hal’s transforming “self” to increase the drama of the play. Shakespeare introduces Prince Hal in Act I by having him compared to Hotspur, his rival. King Henry is very disappointed in his son’s actions and wished he and Hotspur were switched at birth: “Then would I have his Harry, and he mine” (1.1.89). Prince Hal spends most of his time with Falstaff drinking and being a menace to society, which disappoints King Henry greatly, and makes him envious of Hotspur’s father, lord Northumberland: Yea, there that mak’st me sad, and mak’st me sin In envy that my lord Northumberland Should be the father to be so blest a son- A son who is the theme of honour’s tongue, Whilst I by looking on the praise of hal, prince, shakespeare, hotspur, father, henry, king, act, hal’s, noble, battle, self, true, time, reader, life, young, wasn’t, warrior, son, scene, face, end, play, disgrace, very, throne, sun, shall, seem, low, himself, harry, great, friends, character, soon