Sean Donovan English 4148 Mr. Richardson 2 May 2015 Falstaff While common people may only be able to associate Shakespeare with his infamous works such asRomeo and JulietandJulius Caesar, many more experienced Shakespeare readers fall in love with a single character: Sir John Falstaff. Although he is not the most important character in any of Shakespeare’s plays, Falstaff is often viewed as the most interesting. The reason, perhaps, is because many readers can connect with Falstaff’s brutally honest mentality and carefree attitude. While he is known for his rowdy and rude behavior, Falstaff is proven to be more than that throughoutHenry IV Part 1andHenry IV Part 2.Additionally, in film adaptations Falstaff’s character is presented to the audience in different ways. Some directors share a love for Falstaff and present him in a lovingly, pitying fashion. In contrast, other producers try to bring out the worst of Falstaff. In looking at Falstaff’s character development, it is clear that he can be loveable at times; however, his selfish and reckless behavior ultimately define him. While Falstaff embodies some strong qualities, it is impossible to overlook his many flaws. Shamelessly and without remorse, Falstaff is a criminal, swindler and womanizer. He selfishly meanders through life seeking the worldly pleasures of food, alcohol and women. When Falstaff is introduced inHenry IV, he is running rampant with King Henry’s son, Prince Hal. Prince Hal comes to be very influential in how Falstaff’s character develops. King Henry is not at all pleased, and Falstaff is to blame. In Act 11
Scene 2 the prince describes Falstaff, saying, “Thou art so fat-witted, with drinking of old sack / and unbuttoning thee after supper and sleeping upon /benches after noon” (1.2.2- 4). It is a clear insult, but it is not challenged. Many characters would not stand for such disrespect, but Falstaff welcomes the criticism because he knows it is true. One could write page after page concerning Falstaff’s misdeeds, however, it is better to simply accept the fact that he is a criminal in order to begin examining his other complexities. In accepting that Falstaff embodies despicable characteristics, one can come to appreciate the way Falstaff subverts social values as he critiques them. Although he is plagued by a deplorable lifestyle, Falstaff exemplifies his strong skill of persuasion through his witty and comical speech.After Prince Hal decides to play his trick on Falstaff in Act 2, Falstaff returns to tell the prince everything that has happened. Even when he is caught in a blatant lie, he weasels his way out of embarrassment and punishment. He wittingly declares, “… was it for me to kill the/ heir apparent? Should I turn upon the true prince? / why, thou knowest I am as valiant as Hercules: but / beware instinct; the lion will not touch the true prince” (2.5. 247-250).
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