Fallstaff Friend of Fatherfigu
Fallstaff Friend of FatherfiguFalstaff: Friend or Father Figure?
When studying the characters of Shakespeare's Henry IV, one can not help but observe Falstaff. Falstaff is considered by many to be one of the greatest comic inventions ever. Critics have called Falstaff everything ranging from a buffoon to "an instance of the predominance of intellectual power" (Coleridge cited in Hemingway 418). He is by far one of the most dynamic characters ever constructed by Shakespeare. Yet, "the question persists, 'wherein is Falstaff good, but to taste sack and drink it? � Wherein worthy, but in nothing?'" states Charlton (cited in Hemingway 446). Falstaff's main purpose in the play is to provide the audience a character to laugh at, in what would be - with the absence of Falstaff - an extremely serious historical play. His grotesque bodily features and his constant yearn for sack tends to add to the comedy of his constant lies and allusions. Schlegel states, "His contemptible qualities are not disguised: old, lecherous, dissolute; corpulent beyond measure; constantly in debt and unscrupulous in the choice of means for procuring money; a cowardly soldier, and a lying braggart; a flatterer to the face, and a satirist behind the backs of his friends; - and yet we are never disgusted with him." (cited in Hemingway 418) Falstaff's underlying purpose of the play is to act as a father figure to Hal, Henry IV. So, how does a man of such a personality attract noble followers such as Hal? In order for us to answer this question we must first observe the character of Hal. Hal can be compared to a chameleon. At the beginning of the play, the audience witnesses Hal's constant indulgence in drink and pranks. But, as the play progresses the audience begins to realize that behind the drunken escapades of Hal and his friends, lies a "man" who is both intellectual and honorable - traits that embody a successful King. Although it is not specifically stated, Hal benefits greatly from his experiences with thieves and rogues. From his companions he sees the commoner's approach to everyday life. He not only experiences the life of nobility, but he also tastes the excitement of being a rebel. The greatness that is later bestowed to Henry IV stems from Hal's experiences with both the commoners and those of the royal family. Knight describes Hal's relationship with his friends best by stating, "He is a gentleman; a companion, indeed, of loose revellers, but one who infinitely prefers the excitement of their wit to their dissipation." (cited in Hemingway 459) Now the question arises, what is Hal's relationship to Falstaff?
Hal is definitely attracted to Falstaff's quick wit and loathsome ways. Hal's attraction to Falstaff may best be described by Schlegel's interpretation of Falstaff - "he is an admirable companion for youthful idleness and levity. Under a helpless exterior,...
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