Henry IV Part 1

In Henry IV: Part 1 there was an emphasis on the father son relationships between the King and Hal, the fantasy relationship the King hold with Hotspur, the King/Prince and their country, and somewhat of a relationship between Falstaff and Hal. As a part of life, relationships define who we are. I think the most important relationship to Hal, was the one with his father. This relationship defined how he should act. For example, as the prince, he needs to behave well, and be "princely." The defiance against his father puts Hal with the pub crawlers, a lowly group who's only purpose to Hal, is to have sinful fun. However, as seen when the play progresses, is that Hal never loses his sense of honor, or view of the bigger picture. While not acting on those beliefs while friends with Falstaff, his character never changed, only his decision to change his actions. Those actions were decided when the King confronted him about his dishonorable actions and Hal stating his regret. This event changed Hal's attitude toward being a prince, much as a parent’s disapproval for bad grades who change a student's attitude toward schoolwork.
I also noticed how Falstaff's environment changed his though processes; failing, however, to change his behavior. Falstaff was probably raised poor, and from this became the stealing, thieving pub crawler he is. This way of living delights him in its sinfulness, but he never tries to say he wants anything different. However, as he confronts obstacles in his life, he voices his thoughts which parallels his behavior. For example, his honor speech, ultimately convinces him honor is nothing but air, and should be taken as such. This reality which Falstaff discovers does nothing but encourage his hedonistic behavior because there is no honor in the world.