Hal's Headspace: The Inner Motivations of Henry IV, Part 1's Prince Hal

William Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Part 1 introduces readers to a large cast of complex personalities. It appears that none of the play’s characters are actually who they seem to be at first glance, often possessing secret motives and plans for their own interests. Among these complicated characters, there are, in my opinion, none more intriguing than Prince Hal. Soon to be the subject of his own eponymous play, Henry V, Prince Hal begins Henry IV, Part 1 seemingly nowhere near ready to hold that title. 

In Act 1, Scene 2 of Henry IV, Part 1, Prince Hal is introduced to readers as the irresponsible, dishonorable son of King Henry IV. Hal is hanging around the lower sections of society, behaving in a jovial and somewhat low-brow manner. In his first scene, Hal is spending time in a tavern with some rather unsavory characters. He banters with his friend, Falstaff, and seems to be content to set aside his princely duties of honor and noble behavior. Hal remarks, “Wisdom cries out in the / Streets and no man regards it” (Henry IV, Part 1,1.2.94–95). Through these remarks, Hal conveys a seemingly definite attitude of unconcern for matters of morality. Falstaff even jokes that Hal could “corrupt a saint” (1.2.97). Beyond just Hal and his tavern-frequenting pals, Hal’s own father even believes his son to be a degenerate. Henry IV bemoans, “Whilst I, by looking on the praise of him, / See riot and dishonor stain the brow / Of my young Harry” (1.1.83–85). It seems that just about everyone is convinced that Prince Hal is nothing more than a dishonorable lowlife.

With all this evidence pointing towards Hal’s failures as a prince, it may seem very clear just what kind of person he is. Yet, in his soliloquy at the end of Act One’s second scene, Hal points to a deeper motive behind his actions. He explains, “But when they seldom come, they wished-for come, / And nothing pleaseth but rare accidents” (1.2.213–214). In these lines, Hal explains that people tend to appreciate things more when they are rare or unexpected. For instance, if someone thinks they have twenty dollars, then sees the money in their pocket, that is an unremarkable and soon-forgotten incident. In contrast, if someone thinks they are completely broke, then finds twenty dollars in their pocket, they are ecstatic and will probably remember and appreciate that moment. In his soliloquy, Hal reveals his plans to take advantage of this phenomenon in hopes of gaining attention and respect. He says, “So when this loose behavior I throw off / And pay the debt I never promisèd, / By how much better than my word I am, / By so much shall I falsify men’s hopes” (1.2.215–218). Hal plans to discontinue his immature, reputationally damaging behavior and take up an attitude of integrity. He goes on to further explain, “And, like bright metal on a sullen ground, / My reformation, glitt’ring o’er my fault, / Shall show more goodly and attract more eyes / Than that which hath no foil to set it off. / I’ll so offend to make offense a skill, / Redeeming time when men think least I will” (1.2.219–224). Hal believes the overwhelming switch of his behavior from dishonorable to upstanding will stand out to everyone around him. In much the same way that a foil character exists to bring out and highlight the characteristics of another character, Hal is hoping his previous bad behavior will serve as a foil to highlight his reformed actions. His honor, something which may have been taken for granted had it been his default behavior his entire life, will now stand out as all the more amazing. The smallest of noble deeds will make him seem angelic compared to his old way of life. In revealing his true motives for his questionable behavior, Hal shows that he is not simply a lowlife slacker consumed with drunkenness and debauchery, but rather a calculating man intent on carrying out his plans for success.