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How Does Hal Change In King Henry Iv Part 1

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Hal is often referred to as the “prodigal son” of Shakespeare’s King Henry IV Part I. Wasteful and lazy, Hal is seen more often drinking in a tavern or robbing others than serving as the next king of England, though he claims that to be all an act in Act I Scene II, where he promises to redeem himself. However, this claim seems dubious at best, Hal immediately going to then play a trick on Falstaff and rob him. However, things seem to change in Act III Scene II. In this scene, King Henry IV has called his son to his castle to discuss the future of England and how Hal is acting less like a prince, and more like the wretched King Richard II, who Henry IV disposed to take the throne. Hal replies to his father, promising that he will redeem himself in his father’s eyes and in the eyes of the English noblemen by killing Hotspur, one of the leaders of the rebellion against the king. This speech marks a major character shift in Hal and his motivations shift from drinking and lounging about, to that of redemption and honor through battle. This character shift is seen through many literary devices, such as the religious and familial diction, the personification of Hal’s actions, and the juxtaposition between Hotspur and Hal. …show more content…

ii. 130-31). This biblical diction continues throughout . The religious diction also plays into the idea of father and son, with Hal and King Henry mirroring God and his Son, Jesus. Though Hal seeks to kill Hotspur to find his honor, he seeks to gain the approval of his father, that he will be “bold to tell you that I am your son” (III. ii. 134). However, the king is never referred to as “father” or even by his name, rather “my majesty” (III. ii. 132, 155), showing the disconnect between father and son through Hal’s wasteful

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