Type
Text
Type
Thesis
Advisor
Videbaek, Bente | Huffman, Clifford
Date
2013-12-01
Keywords
Literature
Department
Department of English.
Language
en_US
Source
This work is sponsored by the Stony Brook University Graduate School in compliance with the requirements for completion of degree.
Identifier
http://hdl.handle.net/11401/77574
Publisher
The Graduate School, Stony Brook University: Stony Brook, NY.
Format
application/pdf
Abstract
Shakespeare's history plays, 1 Henry IV and 2 Henry IV, include the fictional character of Falstaff. This study examines Falstaff's role in the plays, considers his comedic placement in historical events and his role's relation to English nationalism. The study shows Falstaff's unique ability to provide great entertainment while remaining a symbol of evil and immorality, creating a conundrum for audiences. Falstaff's unique role is analyzed including the background of his naming, his relation to the theme of counterfeiting in the plays, the significance of his physical size, and his relationship with the prince which wanes as the two parts of the play progress. Ultimately, Falstaff is a character, who according to Johnson, is to be " admired but not esteemed." This study analyzes to what degree Falstaff should be both admired and esteemed. | 42 pages
Recommended Citation
Nellis, Jennifer, "The Prince's Misleader: The Role of Falstaff in the Henry IV Plays" (2013). Stony Brook Theses and Dissertations Collection, 2006-2020 (closed to submissions). 3374.
https://commons.library.stonybrook.edu/stony-brook-theses-and-dissertations-collection/3374