Compare and contrast Hal and Hotspur. Note their similarities and differences.

Have a little read: ... Compare and contrast Hal and Hotspur. Note their similarities and differences. Hal and Hotspur are one of the two most important and instrumental characters in Henry IV Part One. From the outset, Shakespeare intends to set up a comparison between the two rivals. King Henry IV, Hal's father, compares them in the very first scene of the play. After outlining the situation regarding the civil war in the country, Henry tells Westmoreland that Hotspur is "the theme of honour's tongue" (1.1.80). This, together with blatant criticism of Hal's reckless and debauched manner, gives the audience the impression, and indeed this is later stated when Glendower enters, that Henry wishes that Hotspur was his son instead of Hal. As well as introducing the theme of honour, it focuses the audience's attention on comparing these two men. In contrast to the first scene, the second scene in Act one shows Hal in the tavern along with his rebellious companion Falstaff. This scene illustrates what the King refers to regarding his son's behaviour. We learn that Hal is witty and energetic, and gains pleasure in teasing his old friend about his overindulgence. In Act one scene three, we see the King again, this time in the Council Chamber with the rebels, including Henry Percy, otherwise known as Hotspur. Hotspur refuses to surrender some prisoners whom he gained following a previous battle. We learn that, through his demand for Mortimer's release, Hotspur is loyal. He is also very courageous, albeit tactless and undiplomatic. Te audience realises that this would make him an unsuitable leader. However, Hotspur does seem to be a preferable leader to Hal. Further on in the play, Prince Hal partakes in a highway robbery. Falstaff orchestrates and carries out a robbery at Gad's Hill, and then Hal proceeds to rob Falstaff following this. This incident fails to blemish Hal's character. It does, however, show his reckless and genuinely base behaviour. He recognises this when he proclaims that 'I have sounded the very base-string of humility" (2.4.5-6). Hal undergoes a dramatic change in Act three scene two. During this difficult interview with his father, he shows himself to be contrite in admitting his faults. The King compares Hal with Hotspur, whom he claims has more right to rule the country than Hal because of his many 'high deeds' (3.2.107) in battle. This would have motivated Hal to reform since he would not