Hal’s close relationship with Falstaff at the tavern undermines the moral righteousness that he must exhibit as a prince. Therefore, Falstaff’s immoral behaviour at the tavern becomes increasingly incompatible with Hal’s development as a prince, and thus Hal must rid himself of Falstaff’s fatherly influence before he is to begin acting regally. Furthermore, it is Henry IV’s hopes and expectations of Hal’s nobility which drive the young prince’s ambition for glory, allowing Hal to cultivate the necessary leadership and bravery required from a future king. However, due to Falstaff’s corrupted nature, Shakespeare insinuates that his riotous actions may cause Hal to follow his crude examples and to descend into moral depravity. His warmth and friendship towards Prince Hal, “the blessed sun of heaven”, allows Hal to escape from his cold and disapproving relationship with his biological father, Henry IV. Falstaff stands above the crumbling world of nobility and lawless rebels in his egotistic desire to whore, eat, and sleep in the unruly environment of the Eastcheap tavern. Set during the political and social unrest of early 15th-century England, William Shakespeare’s historical play, Henry IV Part 1, demonstrates the influence of our patriarchal relationships on our actions and identity. I'm a little concerned about the conclusion in this essay, it seems weaker compared to the other parts of the essay.įalstaff is more of a father to Hal than Henry is. Hey guys, this is my 4th essay for Henry IV.