Shakespeare Henry the Fourth, Part I, Act I
Uploaded by tamii on Oct 26, 2011
This paper examines Shakespeare’s use of the word/concept “wholeness” in the first act of this play. (4 pages; 1 source; MLA citation style.
I Introduction
Shakespeare is still read and performed because his insights into human nature were profound and true. His psychological ability is matched by his linguistic talent: he uses language beautifully to convey his meaning.
This paper examines Shakespeare’s use of the word “wholeness” in Henry the Fourth, Part I, Act I.
II Discussion
Despite a careful reading of the act, I didn’t find the word “wholeness”. It may be that I got so wrapped up in following the plot that I simply missed it, but since I read carefully I assume it’s not there. Or perhaps the edition I have has used another word in place of “wholeness.”
“Wholeness” is the noun made from the adjective “whole” and that word has several meanings, including both “complete” and “healthy.” However, Shakespeare doesn’t use these words, either; at least not in an obvious way. (I was looking for one word that is conspicuous by appearing repeatedly, as in “To be or not to be” or “Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow…”). Since Shakespeare hasn’t used any synonyms for “wholeness” in this way, a linguistic approach fails. We have to look at the circumstances of the play and the characters who appear in it, and see if we can relate wholeness to them.
Overall, the play seems to relate less to wholeness than to fragmentation: there is a rebellion brewing in the North; Prince Hal is playing almost a dual role (both heir to the throne and street thug); and Falstaff is at once an engaging character and a despicable man. Within this splintering scenario, we do find examples of cohesion, however. It’s almost as if Shakespeare wants us to find those words that speak of wholeness in the midst of chaos.
The first speech in the play contains these lines: “Those opposed eyes … / All of one nature, of one substance bred, / Did lately meet in the intestine shock / And furious close of civil butchery / Shall now … / March all one way and be no more oppos’d…” (I, i, 9-15).
What the king is saying is that the rebellion is over; there will be peace again. We can see this as an example of wholeness—rebellious factions will no...