Sir John Fallstaff- Henry IV

Sir John Fallstaff- Henry IV

Nicholas Sine
English Honors
Period Four
January 15, 1997
Sir John Falstaff

Humans are addicted to judging others on their first impression.   Humans will never read
into the book, they just look at the cover.   Many people, both fictional and nonfictional can not be
judged until you study them.   Someone who first appears to be only comic relief, could end up to
be a very important character.   Sir John Falstaff is but one of these people.   Falstaff's
righteousness hides under his vocalization.
John Falstaff's character is hard to understand without analyzing his words.   He loves to
play games with his speech.   Falstaff tricks his audience with complex words and phrases.   Often
John would win over his opponent by tricking them into saying things that they did not mean or
getting them to think that he is not that bad.   Falstaff said this in Part I act II scene IV.   "... A
question not to be asked.   Shall the son of England prove a thief and take purses?   A question to
be asked.   There is a thing, Harry, which thou hast often heard of, and it is known to many in our
land by the name of pitch.   This pitch, as ancient writers do report, doth defile; so doth the
company thou keepest.   For, Harry, now I do not speak to thee in drink, but in tears; not in
pleasure, but in passion; not in words only, but in woes also; and yet there is a virtuous man
whom I have often noted in thy company, but I know not his name."   In this passage, the Prince
and Fastaff trade places in speech and try to make the other look dumb.   Fastaff later goes on to
say that this wonderful person that the King is talking about.   The way Falstaff does this proves
him to be very keen.   He proves that even though he may look dumb, he will still put up a good
fight.   Falstaff is very bold about his thoughts and opinions.   He stands out because he is not afraid
to think his own way.   While most people agree, because of the other people around them, Falstaff
chooses to make his...