Falstaff :: essays research papers

Romanticism, as stated in the Ameri ass Heritage Electronic mental lexicon is, "An artistic and intellectual movement originating in Europe in the young 18th century and characterized by a heightened interest in nature, strain on the individuals expression of emotion and imagination, departure from the attitudes and forms of classicism, and rebellion against established well-disposed rules and conventions." Falstaff is the ideal romantic character. In an article written by gravel T. Baker titled, "The Two Falstaffs" Baker writes against whole the critics who claim that the Falstaff from Henry IV parts I and II is a different character and then the Falstaff in The Merry Wives of Windsor. He believes that, "although, as the critics declare, Falstaff is not himself, this is due to the change in situation, not to the inconsistency of character portrayal." In Henry IV parts I and II we see Falstaff as the romantic character that is stated in the definition a bove, defying everything that the Classical character, Prince Hal, stands for and believes.. He refuses to take life seriously. He believes that "warfare is as much of a joke to him as a drinkable bout at the Boars Head." He uses people solely for his own purposes, both for money or for food and drink. He is rude and crude to all those around him and is one of the best liars who continually gets caught in his lies but makes bleak ones to cover for the old failed ones. still Baker states that, "His presence of mind and installation of retort are always superb his impudence is almost sublime. Yet the man thus corrupt, thus despicable, makes himself necessary to the prince that despises him, by the most delight of all qualities, perpetual gaiety. Falstaff creates around his capacious bulk a expression of Utopia which frees us temporarily from the worries and troubles of the actual world. What does it matter that Falstaff ridicules chivalry, honor, truth-telling, and bravery in participation? He is not to be taken seriously...he is a wholly laughable character." At the end of Henry IV part II we can see what happens to Falstaff when he is surrounded by reality, he is caught off rubber and is out of place. Baker states that when Falstaff is entangle with the realities of life "he cannot shine." We see this prime(prenominal) at the coronation of Hal, once his friend in mischief, when Falstaff is told, quite flat out by Hal that " I know thee not, old man.