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  • Essay / The Transformation of Aluminum Characters: A Comparison...

    In Henry IV Part 1, by William Shakespeare, Shakespeare wants readers to see Hal and Hotspur as aluminum characters. A foil character is a character that contrasts with another character, usually to highlight one of their attributes (“Foil”). Hotspur, a well-known war hero, is respected among many people in his society. One of these people includes King Henry IV. King Henry IV is ashamed of his own son and wishes he would be more like Hotspur. Prince Hal, son of King Henry IV, should be an honorable young man since he will set out in pursuit of his father. However, Hal does not meet these expectations by conveying a negative image in society. Early in the book, we see him hanging out in a tavern with his drinking buddies, planning a robbery, and mocking authority. Hal realizes his father's disappointment in him and later transforms into a distinguished prince. Without Hotspur acting as a foil character, Hal wouldn't have transformed. Hotspur and Hal have more differences than similarities, which allows the reader to better understand each character's personality traits. Hal and Hotspur are similar in their beliefs about what constitutes honor and what they must accomplish to acquire honor. However, the honor they have and their end results differ greatly. Hal and Hotspur become brilliant characters through their respective views on honor and their ultimate outcomes. Both Hal and Hotspur recognize honor as something desirable and admirable. In the play, honor is defined by success in battle and status in society. Hotspur is considered honorable at the beginning of the play because of his success in battle. King Henry IV expresses how he considers Hotspur to be a man of honor by his main qualities. Today, many people compare themselves to others in order to better understand their place in society. I have compared myself to striving people in society, which inspires me to work harder. When I compare myself to others, positively or negatively, it distinguishes my qualities as a person. When King Henry IV compared his son to Hotspur, it gave Hal the motivation he needed to improve his reputation. Likewise, many people oppose other members of society. These comparisons often give people motivation and encouragement to work harder to improve. Literary devices. Literary devices, sd Web. January 6, 2014. .Shakespeare, William. Henry IV, part 1. Ed. Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine. New York: Washington Square Pr., 1994. Print.