Your Typical Father-Son Power Struggle, Henry IV vs. V

Shakespeare's historical play, Henry IV Part I, explores the messy inner-workings behind the succession of a throne. Through the depraved relationship between King Henry IV and Prince Hal (Henry V), the bard reveals truths about father to son inherited traits and inherited expectations, adding humor and relate-ability to the situation with a supplemental character named Falstaff.

Most of Hal's growing up occurs outside the palace and in a crude bar setting with less-than respectable commoners (in the King's eye). Fat old John Falstaff, Hal's pub friend, plays the role of Henry IV's foil, replacing kingly advice and fatherly duty with street knowledge and fatherly affinity. Though it is from Falstaff that Hal receives his ruling style and understanding that "wisdom cries out in the streets", Hal eventually reverts to the neglected influence of his father in him when battle commences. In his first very important soliloquy, Hal addresses his two-sided character, admitting some foolishness in his acts at the tavern but predicting the coming of his rise to power and glory, where the clouds will clear and the sun (or son) will be revealed in true allegiance to his father's expectations and teaching.

Despite the rocky road Henry IV and Hal endured to their bond, Hal proves to be a mirror image of his father when the most prominent piece of his father's life is thrust upon him. Henry V inherits his father's commanding presence - with perhaps a bit more active valor than the king - as messenger Vernon basks in Hal's new appearance as a warrior ready for the throne.

Shakespeare's exploration of Hal and Henry IV's relationship as a base for the historical drama contributes to my question of inherited identity the complications of an estranged bond and the strong will of a child. It puts forth the question of nature versus nurture with the presence of both the king and Falstaff and ultimately concludes that the nature of one's parent, at least parts of it, will manifest itself in one's developing self, accompanied by personally gained knowledge.