Here Comes the Son

Here Comes the Son

In Shakespeare's King Henry the 4th, the audience is presented with a protagonist in an abstract manner. Throughout the play there is corruption of power. Both sides at work here have stealthy, underhanded methods which really presents no true protagonist. However, Shakespeare through unconventional methods gives the play goers someone to cheer for in Prince Hal. Instead of the conventional cold cut hero, Prince Hal is initially viewed as a nuisance. Through the play Shakespeare highlights Hal to exemplify transformation. Hal steadily rises to the precedents that have been set before him surprising not only the royal court, but himself as well. Through his deceitful treachery, one sees the high level of cunning intelligence that fuels him the transformation Hal undertakes.

The Prince of Wales is first introduced in the play in Act 1 with his comparison to Hotspur. Hal's father, King Henry, loathes Hal while he finds compassion for Hotspur. King Henry is ashamed of his son and wishes that he and Hotspur could have been switched at birth: "Then would I have his Harry, and he mine" (1.1.89). At this point in time, Hal spends most of his time drinking with questionable characters and avoiding public responsibility at all costs. He has yet to show any ambition in life, much less any interest in taking over as heir to the throne. Hotspur further complicates matters for Hal with his valiant acts on the battle field. Henry feels Hotspur possesses great honor while his son is a disgrace to his newly royal family. King Henry's disappointment will soon change as Hal reveals his true self.

Hal's master plan is sighted in the first act soon after his first steps on stage. He addressed the audience with his soliloquy in the ending moments of Scene 2. Here Hal unmasks the treacherous plans he has:

I know you all, and will a while uphold

The unyoked humour of your idleness.

Who doth permit the base contagious clouds

To smother up his beauty from the world,

That when he may be more wondered at

By breaking through the foil and ugly mists

Of vapors that did seem to strangle him. (1.2.173-181)

It is obvious that Hal has given a vast amount of effort and thought to his current lifestyle. Hal actually puts forth great effort to tarnish his image. However, the audience can see that he feels he has lain with the dogs long enough, and that he will now rise above this cloud covering his companions form. One sees here first hand the intelligence that Hal possesses. Hal's plan to the throne is remarkable. He recognizes that his assertion to glory will look grander with a cloudy past. Hal also sees that by lying low he will remain hidden from the crowds. The young prince is well aware of how King Richard was overtaken by his father after he made his presence too well known. Hal may be seen as a disgrace to his father and the court for now, but as he transforms he will soon shine brighter than any expectations placed on him.

Hal finally returns to the palace and to his father from the tavern in the second scene of Act 3. Here King Henry unleashes a verbal wrath upon Hal. The King delivers a speech voicing of the disappointment he has found with Hal and his vulgar friends. The King as well informs Hal that he has revoked his princely privileges. Hal shocks his father as he tells him that he feels remorse for his actions. He even goes as far to promises his father that he will redeem his actions or he will "die a hundred thousand deaths" (3.2.158). Hal shines in this moment with his father. As planned, he is seen in a much brighter light rising from a distraught past. Hal emerges as the Sun does after weeks of cloudy,dreary days that are common on the Sewanee Domain. His father is so overjoyed he gives Hal battle responsibilities. This is undoubtedly the reaction the young prince was expecting. It never directly says so it in the text, but one can only imagine that Hal wears a stealthy grin now. He is seen in his fathers eyes as a phoenix rising from the ashes, but Hal wont stop anytime soon.

Hal's rising continues, and the awe of his brilliance steadily expands. His domino effect plan has now planted him on the battlefield where he seeks none other than the highly regarded Hotspur. Here on the battle field, the audience can finally catch a glimpse of Hal's newly acquired nobility. Instead of galavanting around with his new found power, Hal leads valiantly. His initial battle tactics are noble as he challenges Hotspur to a two man duel for the throne. This move by Hal is both courageous and cunning. He is aware that if this dual happens then in the eyes of the citizens will be seen as a hero for risking his life for the soldiers around him. In addition to this, one can see that Hal has used his superb intellect with this move. He knows Hotspur will deny this and will blindly lead his troops into battle now.

The next instance of valiance is when Hal finds his longtime companion Falstaff disregarding the seriousness

...