Shakespeare's Henry IV Paper - Essay Example

While Falstaff appears in a number of Shakespeare’s plays, Henry IV is one of his most seminal occurrences. This essay examines Shakespeare’s verbal expansiveness as articulated though Falstaff in the Henry IV Act II, Scene V tavern scene. In examining Falstaff’s verbal expansiveness the tavern scene functions as a strong instance as it particularly opens up to allow Falstaff to explore his imagination. Prior to the scene Prince Harry and Poins conspired against Falstaff, put on disguises, and robbed him.

In the tavern scene they encounter him about the robbery. The first instance in this scene where Falstaff’s ‘verbosity’ is witnessed occurs in his imaginative description of the people who robbed him. Referring to the stolen money he notes, “Where is it? Taken from us it is. A hundred upon four of us!” (Act II, Scene V, 12-13). This scene demonstrates Falstaff’s imagination and propensity to exaggerate when given the opportunity; in reality it was only two men – Harry and Poins – who robbed him.

While the lie is a significant part of the story, more significantly is Falstaff’s expansion on this lie. He goes on to create an interesting tale about the very ways that the multitude of robbers stole his money and tried to kill him. Perhaps most notable here is that Falstaff’s lie is more interesting than the truth. . The discussion is interrupted by news that Harry must return to meet with his father King Henry because of recent political occurrences. This leads to Harry and Falstaff acting out the interaction Harry will later have with his father.

As the scene further progresses the interaction between Prince Harry and Falstaff becomes one of humorous banter. Just as Falstaff demonstrated tremendous creativity and wit in his elaboration of the robbery, he equally is clever in pretending to be Harry speaking with King Henry IV. Falstaff states, “but for sweet Jack Falstaff, kind Jack Falstaff, true Jack Falstaff, valiant Jack Falstaff, and therefore more valiant, being, as he is, old Jack Falstaff, banish not him thy Harry's company, banish not him thy Harry's company: banish plump Jack, and banish all the world” (Act II, Scene V, 261-266).

Again Falstaff, as with the earlier scene detailing his exploits in the robbery, has taken great liberty with his turn talking. After finishing his thought Prince Harry simply responds, “I do; I will”. The terse response is highly significant in understanding Falstaff’s character. While the Prince is of higher social standing than Falstaff, Harry’s terse response indicates a subtle respect for Falstaff’s verbal ability. It’s noted that unlike Polonius who talks with little self-knowledge, Falstaff’s speeches demonstrate great cleverness and wit (McGuire).

His interjection regarding his greatness or ‘self-worth’ is not simply boastful but takes on a degree of verbal artistry. While Prince Harry and Poins were able to fool Falstaff earlier, this discussion indicates that the Prince nonetheless has a strong degree of respect for Falstaff’s verbal expansiveness. Still, Prince Harry’s response has