Author(s)

Dongqiao Chen

Affiliation(s)

The Experimental High School Attached to Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100032, China. 

Corresponding Author

Dongqiao Chen

ABSTRACT

In Henry IV, Part 2, Shakespeare intricately explores the concept of honor, presenting contrasting perspectives through the characters of Hotspur, Prince Henry, and Falstaff. Each character embodies a different conception of honor, offering a critique of its role in leadership and personal identity. Hotspur’s impulsive valor is driven by a desire for personal recognition, ultimately leading to his downfall. Prince Henry, on the other hand, evolves throughout the play, moving from a self-centered pursuit of glory to a more pragmatic understanding of leadership that prioritizes national stability over personal pride. Falstaff, with his cynical view, mocks traditional notions of honor, exposing the contradictions in a society that glorifies war while neglecting its human cost. Through these contrasting figures, Shakespeare presents a nuanced examination of honor as both a burden and a guiding force, ultimately suggesting that true honor lies not in individual acclaim but in the long-term welfare of a kingdom. The play thus offers a profound commentary on the responsibilities of leadership, the complexity of honor, and the moral growth necessary to wield power effectively.

KEYWORDS

Honor; Leadership; Moral growth; Effective power wielding

CITE THIS PAPER

Dongqiao Chen. Honor and leadership in Henry IV, part 2: a comparative analysis of Hotspur, Prince Henry, and Falstaff. World Journal of Management Science. 2025, 3(1): 42-46. DOI: https://doi.org/10.61784/wms3057.

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