Chapter Sample Questions of Henry IV Part I - Study Guide by William Shakespeare

The rebels are divided internally and show total disregard for the greater good of the country. They believe that the King should reward loyalty they sharing his power – this is not practical. The fundamental irony is that they condemn Henry IV for the deposition of Richard II. They are motivated by self-advancement and power and this is obvious in the nature of their decisions.

Falstaff focuses on individual freedom and only has a duty to himself. There is no order or justice within his world – he has more of a ‘natural order’. He even believes that a monarch should have favourites. He is a believer in nepotism and hopes for preferences from Henry V. Hal’s opinions perhaps surprisingly contrast greatly from his friend’s. He is much more Machiavellian and his views are more similar to those of his father. He manipulates people in order to earn their good opinion and essentially he is not trustworthy.

We are not presented with an ideal model or set of rules. We are allowed to choose between these or different facets from each of them. Yet essentially the message is given that there is no ideal.