Falstaff : The Embodyment of Dishonor
UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY
FALSTAFF: THE IMAGE OF DISHONOR
EN102: LITERATURE
SECTION L22
DR. ZUKERMAN
By
CADET DAWSON SIEMONSMA ’20, CO I3
WEST POINT, NEW YORK
8 MARCH 2017
MY DOCUMENTATION IDENTIFIES ALL SOURCES USED AND
ASSISTANCE RECEIVED IN COMPLETING THIS ASSIGNMENT.
I DID NOT USE ANY SOURCES OR ASSISTANCE REQUIRING
DOCUMENTATION IN COMPLETING THIS ASSIGNMENT.
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Honor is one of the most reoccurring themes in Shakespeare’s plays. In 1 Henry IV, there are multiple characters that fulfill the common image of honor. Hotspur is commonly referenced when honor is mentioned. Hal, in the later scenes, appears to embody this image of honor as well. Falstaff, however, makes no effort to act honorably. In Act V Scene 1, Falstaff gives a soliloquy about his perspective on honor. His perspective is atypical compared to the other characters. Falstaff offers a coward’s view of honor and this explains why Falstaff acts in the manner he does. Rather than accepting that death is inevitable and acting courageously in battle, he avoids risk because he is afraid. Falstaff contrasts the effects of honor versus the effects of medical personnel. Falstaff finishes this soliloquy after predicting that honor must inevitably lead to death but unintentionally implies that honor can offer protection. This monologue offers a greater understanding of Falstaff. The juxtaposition between Falstaff and Hal becomes significantly more apparent after this speech. Falstaff exposes just how dishonorable he truly is, thus drawing attention to exactly how honorable Hal has become. Without this monologue, the extent of Hal’s honor would remain unknown.
Prior to the monologue, Falstaff finds himself alone with Hal. They are preparing for battle with Hotspur and Falstaff appears particularly nervous. He says to Hal, “if thou see me down in battle and bestride/ me, so; ‘tis a point of friendship” (V.2.121-22). He is noticeably anxious but Hal appears confident and attempts to engage in typical banter with him. Hal replies, “Nothing but a Colossus can do thee that friendship” and proves that he is calm and prepared (V.1.123). This remark about Falstaff’s weight is exactly the kind of comment that Hal would make in any other setting but Falstaff remains uneasy. This follows the pattern of juxtaposition between the two characters. Falstaff then wishes everything was “all well” after Hal tells him to say his prayers (V.1.124). Before his departure, Hal asserts that Falstaff, “owest God a death” (V.1.125). This sets the scene for Falstaff’s monologue.
Falstaff’s cowardice is very important to remember during his monologue. Earlier in the play, he robs wealthy men to avoid true work for his money, lies in an attempt to protect his pride, and brags as a leader in Hal’s army about accumulating money from the wealthy to ensure they remain away from the war (II.2.78-82, II.4.147-48, IV.2.12-14). All of these acts reflect cowardice, the opposite of honor. His prior actions evidently display that his perspective of honor is obviously significantly different than an honorable man’s. Falstaff states that honor is merely, “A word” rather than an attribute (V.1.133). This explains why he so willingly lives a dishonorable life. His belief that honor holds no value beyond only a string of letters excuses him to live with no honor. He is able to validate his actions to himself through this pitiful opinion. He follows this egregious statement with another, equally as feeble. He continues, “What is that ‘honor’? Air” (V.1.134). This comparison between air and honor means that he believes honor holds no weight and is practically nothing. When spoken, the word “honor” is only an exhale. This breath travels until it disappears into the air and becomes nothing. Therefore honor is heard but soon dissipates into the surroundings. By speaking about his personal view of honor, Falstaff offers the audience a stance rarely seen. He uses his position as a justification of his behavior.