Comparing Prince Hal and Henrys Models of Statescraft :: essays research papers

Comparing Prince Hal and Henrys Models of StatescraftTo compare the difference between King Henry and Prince Hals style ofstatecraft, first we have to agnize the basic philosophy of each. The Kingbelives that to effectively lead the country single needs to lead by example.According to the Kings philosophy the best man is the one who lives a pure sustenanceand garners respect and honor from all men. To the Kings sort of thinkingHotspur is more fit to be a King than Prince Hal, a likeness the King makesseveral times. In go I, scene i King Henry makes his first compari boy ofHotspur to his son saying that Lord Northumberlands son, Hotspur, was "A sonwho is the theme of honours tounge..." while Prince Hal was stained by "...riotand dishonor...." In f go the King goes so far as to wish that Hotspur was hishis son and not Prince Henry. Later in Act III, scene ii King Henry tells thePrince that Hal reminds him of the way King Richard acted before Henry took thethrone and that Hotspur reminds the King of himself. This is the Kings not sosubtle way oftelling Hal that the King doesnt think he is fit to suceed him tothe throne.Prince Hal on the other hand has a different idea of statecraft. He expresseshis ideas in his speech in Act I, scene ii when he says "If all the year wereplaying holidays, To sport would be as tedious as to work But when they seldomcome, they wishd-for come,...My reclamation glittring oer my fault, Shallshow more goodly and attract more eyes than that which hath no foil to set itoff." He is saying that he may be acting like a common ruffian now but when hedoes take up his duties as heir to the throne and begin to act like a prince hewill shine more in the eyes of men because his actions now will provide acontrast by which they can judge him. It is important to note that Hal does notplan to spend the rest of his life acting in this manner. He does plan to leavethis life behind and take on the role of heir apparent to th e throne of England.In Act III, scene ii when the King confronts Hal about his delinquencies Hal isquick to defend with the King. He admits that he has not acted the part of aprince and humbled by the condemnation of the King swears a vow to redeem