King Henry IV Essay

People and politics are a complex interaction of political motives each competing to sway and impact the people of their time. It is through the addition of powerful persuasion and representation that the impact of political acts on people and society is evident. Set during the political and social unrest of early 15th-century England, William Shakespeare’s historical play, Henry IV Part 1 demonstrates that power separates the elite and higher people as opposed to the lower-class of society, demonstrating the competing perspectives of honour and legitimacy of truth as opposed to illusion. In the same manner, a contemporary example of the above is Donald Trumps 2017 Inauguration Speech, in which he addresses the political relations of the USA to his citizens. Such analysis of representations suggests that it may be difficult to pinpoint the political motivations, however we are able to see the complexities of politics through the representation of people. Hal’s unruly companions at the tavern undermine the moral honorability that he must exhibit as a prince, as Shakespeare displays this through the form of the play. Due to his lowly interactions at the tavern, Prince Hal is seen by Hotspur as a “nimble-footed madcap” and the “same sword-and-buckler Prince of Wales”. The image of poverty in Hotspur’s lines debases Hal’s perceived capacity as a prince, as he is seen as belonging to the lawless underworld of the tavern, as Hotspur believes that Hal does not possess the qualities of a prince as he is constantly surrounded by common people, a trait that was not considered reputable according the the Elizabethan order. King Henry further denigrates Hal’s image by implying that Hal does not measure up his ancestor’s honourable “flight”. His image of falconry conveys the strict moral code in which royals must abide to, in which Hal does no such thing, as Hal symbolizes the new man of the Renaissance. Consequently, Shakespeare is able to elevate the quality of Hal’s leadership qualities as a prince who who is aware of the ramifications of his political actions. Hal, through a soliloquy, confesses to the audience, “My reformation, glittering o’er my fault, Shall show more goodly and attract more eyes.” Drawing upon the dramatic irony of his earlier nonsense to elevate his debut and demonstrate his ability to play politics, manipulate his image, and influence the nobles and his own reputation. Therefore Shakespeare has clearly represented that in the contest of legitimacy, Hal’s value of honour as various moral acts and his intent to balance between the two worlds within the play establishes him as the epitome of an “honourable man,” as Hal’s has now realized that he is most capable in assuming the position of a King that will lead England to prosperity. Correspondingly, Donald Trump’s ability to manipulate and present himself as an honourbale man links directly to the humanistic characters that are presented throughout Shakespeare’s microcosmic characters. Like Hal, Trump’s speech seeks to manipulate and appeal to his audience as he plays upon the contextual acknowledgment that American people did not believe that he would be elected as president. His initial repetition at the of the beginning of the Inauguration speech is

the introductory line of “The people…” The phrase separates the classes, as he does not label the elite as people, he labels the masses of people below him as “the people, as he literally talks down to them” The accompaniment of the cutting from the masses of people below Trump as he stands on a podium like a King is a direct parallel of Shakespeare’s representation of Henry IV. The distinct emotive language of “We will be protected by the military” allows for Trump to be ultimately protected from his enemies, as he believes he is honorable for for doing so, just as King Henry’s throne and position is protected by the common people in the Battle of Shrewsbury. However, Trump’s ability to evoke an illusion of empathy is evident in the metaphor, “Mothers and children trapped in poverty in our inner cities; rusted-out factories scattered like tombstones across the landscape of our nation.” The ability to pledge international cooperation is evident as he uses the speech to reinforce the American carnage that is evident, and he he perceives himself to have empathy, but in reality it is all an act of illusion. In a bid to have Trump’s words be remembered, Trump’s use of inclusive rhetoric and repetition “We will make America…” allows for a relationship to be formed between himself and his lower class people. Although Trump does not necessarily believe what he is saying, he must be persuasive speak powerful words in order to be perceived as honourable and truthful. Hence, Trump’ ability to mass manipulate the common people to believe he is an honorable and truthful man is evident throughout his persuasive speech. The ability to reveal one’s true identity and motives amongst characters is explored throughout the play in the form of relationships between lower class and higher class citizens, whom are politically driven. Hal and Falstaff’s role play throughout Act 2 Scene 4 initially represents a complete farce, and illusion…however it reveals many truths within the play. Hal subsequently plays a role within a role, consciously toying with the idea of truth and illusion. Hal’s simultaneous thoughts are revealed to the audience in the form of his previous soliloquy, as his true intentions are clear and that his reckless behavior is a guise to fall the commoners. The employment of celestial motif through “I will imitate the sun” is deliberate as the sun symbolically presents Hal’s transformation from a reckless nuisance to a noble prince, as the motif also reveals Hal as a renaissance man who will bring on change in the near future. In addition, Shakespeare’s deliberate pun with the words “son” and “sun” is a direct connotation to Hal and Falstaff’s father/son relationship. Hal endures this fantasy of illusion to please and connect to the common people, however his real intention and truth lies with becoming a prince that will serve his assumed responsibilities. Consequently, Shakespeare presents honour as an illusion designed to assuage nobles of the “shame” they would feel for leading the underclass of society to their deaths. Therefore, the impoverished lower-class are the most victimised by the constant military expeditions between feuding nobles; they are dehumanised as a “commodity of warm slaves”. Hence, Shakespeare illustrates the basis of truth as opposed to illusion from differing characters throughout the play.