Rites of Passage in Henry IV Essay example -- William Shakespeare

A Rite of Passage Rites of passage mark and celebrate important changes in life. For many, this is the transition between adolescence and adulthood. In the play 1 Henry IV, by William Shakespeare, Prince Henry’s transition to adulthood is indicated when he shows his bravery in battle and proves to be an honorable King. The play shifts between two different views that of the Scottish rebels versus the English royalty and the strain between Prince Henry and his father. Throughout the play, Prince Henry develops from a rascal to a responsible adult and by doing so, earns the respect and acceptance from his father King Henry IV. In act one, Shakespeare introduces the idea that Prince Henry is an inadequate heir to the throne. The play opens with King Henry IV, Prince Henry’s father, speaking to his council of a war with Scotland. Quickly the subject of the discussion turns to Prince Henry, or Harry’s, indifference to the affairs of war. The King then compares Harry to Hotspur, son of the Duke of Northumberland in his dialogue: KING. Yea, there thou mak’st me sad, and mak’st me sin (Harry) In envy that my Lord Nothumberland Should be the father to so blest a son, A son who is the theme of honor’s tounge, Amongst a grove the very straightest plant, Who is sweet fortune’s minion and her pride (Hotspur), Whilst I, by looking on the praise of him, See riot and dishonor stain the brow Of my young Harry. O that it could be proved That some night-tripping fairy had exchanged In cradles clothes our children where they lay, (1.1.78-88) King Henry IV is saddened and ashamed of Harry’s drinking and stealing and wonders if he will ever become a capable leader. King Henry IV even questions if some... ... his soliloquy by proving that he is an admirable leader, and fulfils his solemn oath to kill Hotspur which makes his word honorable. Prince Henry completes his rite of passage after his defeat of Hotspur. Henry entered the battle field as a boy and has formed into a responsible adult and an adequate heir to throne. In 1 Henry IV, Prince Henry’s gradual development was evident throughout the play. A comparison of Harry’s character during the first act against Harry in the fifth act almost seems like two different people. Prince Henry has carried out his plan to prove to people that he will be a worthy King by following his father into battle and killing the leader of the rebel army. Prince Henry’s act of bravery marks the transition between the young Henry and the mature Henry but more importantly, has earned Henry the respect and acceptance from his father. Rites of Passage in Henry IV Essay example -- William Shakespeare A Rite of Passage Rites of passage mark and celebrate important changes in life. For many, this is the transition between adolescence and adulthood. In the play 1 Henry IV, by William Shakespeare, Prince Henry’s transition to adulthood is indicated when he shows his bravery in battle and proves to be an honorable King. The play shifts between two different views that of the Scottish rebels versus the English royalty and the strain between Prince Henry and his father. Throughout the play, Prince Henry develops from a rascal to a responsible adult and by doing so, earns the respect and acceptance from his father King Henry IV. In act one, Shakespeare introduces the idea that Prince Henry is an inadequate heir to the throne. The play opens with King Henry IV, Prince Henry’s father, speaking to his council of a war with Scotland. Quickly the subject of the discussion turns to Prince Henry, or Harry’s, indifference to the affairs of war. The King then compares Harry to Hotspur, son of the Duke of Northumberland in his dialogue: KING. Yea, there thou mak’st me sad, and mak’st me sin (Harry) In envy that my Lord Nothumberland Should be the father to so blest a son, A son who is the theme of honor’s tounge, Amongst a grove the very straightest plant, Who is sweet fortune’s minion and her pride (Hotspur), Whilst I, by looking on the praise of him, See riot and dishonor stain the brow Of my young Harry. O that it could be proved That some night-tripping fairy had exchanged In cradles clothes our children where they lay, (1.1.78-88) King Henry IV is saddened and ashamed of Harry’s drinking and stealing and wonders if he will ever become a capable leader. King Henry IV even questions if some... ... his soliloquy by proving that he is an admirable leader, and fulfils his solemn oath to kill Hotspur which makes his word honorable. Prince Henry completes his rite of passage after his defeat of Hotspur. Henry entered the battle field as a boy and has formed into a responsible adult and an adequate heir to throne. In 1 Henry IV, Prince Henry’s gradual development was evident throughout the play. A comparison of Harry’s character during the first act against Harry in the fifth act almost seems like two different people. Prince Henry has carried out his plan to prove to people that he will be a worthy King by following his father into battle and killing the leader of the rebel army. Prince Henry’s act of bravery marks the transition between the young Henry and the mature Henry but more importantly, has earned Henry the respect and acceptance from his father.