|The Character of Falstaff in Henry IVThe character of Falstaff, in Shakespeare's play Henry IV, Part I, serves as an emblem of frivolity and carefreeness in a world filled with social and political significance. Falstaff disdains politics and moral decisions in favor of a moment-to-moment existence. Although he does not like this "other world", Falstaff realizes that he must sometimes make contact with it. Falstaff's famous speech, in lines 127-139 of Act V, shows us how he views the world of the prince's honor and duty. Through this speech, Falstaff places himself firmly outside of any moral world concerned with justice or honor, living for no other reason than life itself. Falstaff's speech comes after the King and Prince Hal decide to wage war against Hotspur's army. Although they are awaiting news from Worcester, the likelihood of conflict appears high. Falstaff knows that when the battle comes, he will be in the midst of it. Shortly before his speech on the nature of honor, Falstaff fears he will be hurt. In lines 121-2, Falstaff asks Hal to protect him if he falls during battle. The prince's rejection of the request shows his contempt for Falstaff's desire to passively preserve only his own life. Throughout the last half of the play, as the prince moves away from Falstaff, Falstaff's role in the action of the play as a whole diminishes. The importance given to the idea of honor allows Hal to assume his rightful position alongside the king, while Falstaff fades into the background. Falstaff's idea of honor is directly linked to his sense of time itself. In the opening lines of his speech, Falstaff states: "It is not yet due: I would be reluctant to pay it before its time." » (L. 127-8) In this example, Falstaff connects God to someone who established a calendar determining the time and place of everyone's death. For Falstaff, everyone's role in life is not to deviate from the path created by this Higher Power. The notion of honor, as he describes it later in this speech, is a belief by which one can transgress this natural order. He said, “Yes, but what if honor bites me when I arrive?” (L. 130) To obtain honor, one must risk one's life. This type of game is not for Falstaff, as he decides that his own life is more important than "One Word.

Essay / |The Character of Falstaff in Henry IVThe character of Falstaff, in Shakespeare's play Henry IV, Part I, serves as an emblem of frivolity and carefreeness in a world filled with social and political significance. Falstaff disdains politics and moral decisions in favor of a moment-to-moment existence. Although he does not like this "other world", Falstaff realizes that he must sometimes make contact with it. Falstaff's famous speech, in lines 127-139 of Act V, shows us how he views the world of the prince's honor and duty. Through this speech, Falstaff places himself firmly outside of any moral world concerned with justice or honor, living for no other reason than life itself. Falstaff's speech comes after the King and Prince Hal decide to wage war against Hotspur's army. Although they are awaiting news from Worcester, the likelihood of conflict appears high. Falstaff knows that when the battle comes, he will be in the midst of it. Shortly before his speech on the nature of honor, Falstaff fears he will be hurt. In lines 121-2, Falstaff asks Hal to protect him if he falls during battle. The prince's rejection of the request shows his contempt for Falstaff's desire to passively preserve only his own life. Throughout the last half of the play, as the prince moves away from Falstaff, Falstaff's role in the action of the play as a whole diminishes. The importance given to the idea of honor allows Hal to assume his rightful position alongside the king, while Falstaff fades into the background. Falstaff's idea of honor is directly linked to his sense of time itself. In the opening lines of his speech, Falstaff states: "It is not yet due: I would be reluctant to pay it before its time." » (L. 127-8) In this example, Falstaff connects God to someone who established a calendar determining the time and place of everyone's death. For Falstaff, everyone's role in life is not to deviate from the path created by this Higher Power. The notion of honor, as he describes it later in this speech, is a belief by which one can transgress this natural order. He said, “Yes, but what if honor bites me when I arrive?” (L. 130) To obtain honor, one must risk one's life. This type of game is not for Falstaff, as he decides that his own life is more important than "One Word.

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