Honor in Henry IV, Part OneIn Henry IV, Part One Shakespeare delights in the opportunity to suggest the idiosyncrasy of character through his mastery of a wide range of verse and prose. As a result, the play is full of rich and different character parts (Wells 141). Two in particular, Falstaff and Hotspur, have varying beliefs regarding the drama's main theme, honor. In Shakespeare's time, honor was defined as the particular virtues which distinguished members of the nobility in the exercise of their vocation: bravery in combat against a worthy enemy, adherence to the accepted code of arms, and loyalty individual towards friends, family and comrades. in arms (Before 14). Throughout the play, honor plays an important role in differentiating the characters, but ultimately the reader questions the place that honor can have in a world where subjects rebel against a usurping king whom they have placed in power, the prince plays theft with a dissolute knight. , and do the parties competing for government seem to be guided by “politics” rather than “principles”? (Before 14). The reader is invited to think about the concept of honor in various contexts in relation to the different points of view of Falstaff and Hotspur. The quest for honor is Hotspur's primary motivation and goal, but his obsessive commitment becomes dangerous as the quest for honor blinds him from everything else. Falstaff's concept of honor directly contrasts with Hotspur's: for Falstaff, honor is rejected because of its limitations on life and seen as empty and worthless. For Hotspur, honor is more important than life itself, and his blind pursuit of honor ultimately leads him to death. As he defends images and ideals, Falstaff hacks at the sense of honor until he almost strips it middle of paper......married as the first satirist, mocking not only the commoners and people. rebels, but also the institution of the monarchy. Shakespeare's fascination with the various idiosyncrasies of Hotspur and Falstaff allows him to depict diversity regarding the perception of honor. Works CitedBloom, Harold. Henry IV, part one: Bloom's notes. New York: Chelsea House, 1996. Cruttwell, Patrick. Hernier IV. Shakespeare for Students, Vol. II. Detroit: Gale Publishing, 1999. Kantor, Andrea. Henry IV, first part. London: Baron's Education Series, Inc, 1984. Princiss, G. M. Henry IV Criticism. Shakespeare for Students, Vol.II. Detroit: Gale Publishing, 1999.Prior, Moody E. The Drama of Power: A Study of Shakespeare's Historical Plays. Shakespeare for Students, Vol. II. Detroit: Gale Publishing, 1999. Wells, Stanley. Shakespeare: The Dramatic Life. New York: Norton & Company, 1995.