The Character of Falstaff in Henry IV Part IIn Henry IV Part I, Shakespeare presents a collection of traditional heroes. Hotspur's laudable valor, King Henry's militaristic rule, and Hal's princely transformation echo the values ​​socially extolled by the Elizabethan man. Drawing on societal norms, these flat characters contrast with the round, spirited personality of Sir John Falstaff. Through Falstaff's unorthodox behavior and blatant disregard for cultural traditions, Shakespeare upholds everyone's personal values ​​above those of society. Touted as "the essence of Shakespearean drama" (Bloom 299) and ridiculed as the symbol of self-indulgence and vice, the character of Sir John Falstaff, a garrulous knight, provokes a dichotomy within the Shakespearean critical community. This controversy has its origins in the interpretation of Shakespeare's intention in creating Sir John Falstaff. Literary critics such as John Dover Wilson and Edgar Stoll argue that Shakespeare created Falstaff to serve as "Hal's accompanying spirit...characterizing Vanity in every sense of the word" (Wilson 17). These anti-Falstaff critics claim that the theme of the first part of Henry IV, being a morality play, is "the growth of a mad prince to become the ideal king" (Wilson 22). If this were the case, then Falstaff, “a greedy and disgusting old wretch” (Shaw qtd. in Goddard 71), represents an obstacle that Hal must overcome to transform himself into a royal king. Stating that Hal "associates Falstaff...with the devil" (Wilson 20), being the antithesis of heroism and virtue, Falstaff "symbolizes...the celebration and good humor for which Eastcheap stood for, and reflects." .. the changes, subterfuges and shady tricks to which fallen men and soldiers were subjected if they were... middle of paper... his rivals; Hal abandons any personal freedom he might have displayed to follow his path; His father's footsteps. Falstaff survives, not only for years, but for centuries. Praised, ridiculed and analyzed, Falstaff surpasses death with continually published criticism and literary interpretations. No other Shakespearean character is so studied, examined, or researched. Falstaff is a “character who will follow [the audience] out of the theater. » Works Cited Hazlitt, William Hazlitt 8 vols. Shakespeare: a selection Ed. New York: Edwin Mellen, 1996 BeckerBloom, Harold. Shakespeare: The Invention of Man. New York: Riverhead Books, 1998BradleyDesaiMorgannShawStollWilsonGoddart