Term Papers on Comparing Prince Hal And Henrys Models Of Statescraft

Term Paper Title	Comparing Prince Hal And Henrys Models Of Statescraft
# of Words	976
# of Pages (250 words per page double spaced)	3.9

Comparing Prince Hal and Henry's Models of Statescraft

To compare the difference between King Henry and Prince Hal's style of
statecraft, first we have to understand the basic philosophy of each. The King
belives that to effectively lead the country one needs to lead by example.
According to the King's philosophy the best man is the one who lives a pure life
and garners respect and honor from all men. To the King's way of thinking
Hotspur is more fit to be a King than Prince Hal, a comparison the King makes
several times. In Act I, scene i King Henry makes his first comparison of
Hotspur to his son saying that Lord Northumberland's son, Hotspur, was "A son
who is the theme of honour's tounge..." while Prince Hal was stained by "...riot
and dishonor...." In fact the King goes so far as to wish that Hotspur was his
his son and not Prince Henry. Later in Act III, scene ii King Henry tells the
Prince that Hal reminds him of the way King Richard acted before Henry took the
throne and that Hotspur reminds the King of himself. This is the King's not so
subtle way oftelling Hal that the King doesn't think he is fit to suceed him to
the throne.

Prince Hal on the other hand has a different idea of statecraft. He expresses
his ideas in his speech in Act I, scene ii when he says "If all the year were
playing holidays, To sport would be as tedious as to work; But when they seldom
come, they wish'd-for come,...My reformation glitt'ring o'er my fault, Shall
show more goodly and attract more eyes than that which hath no foil to set it
off." He is saying that he may be acting like a common ruffian now but when he
does take up his duties as heir to the throne and begin to act like a prince he
will shine more in the eyes of men because his actions now will provide a
contrast by which they can judge him. It is important to note that Hal does not
plan to spend the rest of his life acting in this manner. He does plan to leave
this life behind and take on the role of heir apparent to the throne of England.

In Act III, scene ii when the King confronts Hal about his delinquencies Hal is
quick to agree with the King. He admits that he has not acted the part of a
prince and humbled by the condemnation of the King swears a vow to redeem
himself or die trying. He so impresses the King that he is given command of an
army and then goes on to preform heroically on the field of battle, saving the
King's life and ultimately defeating Hotspur in single combat.

At first it would seem that the King's idea of proper statecraft and the proper
way for a prince to act won out since Hal put aside his old ways and became the
ideal the King had wished for. I think that Hal's position and the King's
position...

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