Social class (tavern vs royal worlds)

• Unless hours were cups of sack, and minutes capons.... I see no reason why thou shouldn't be so superfluous to demand the time of day' - Hal (1.2)


  • establishes Falstaff's main concerns to be alcohol, food, sex
  • Falstaff established as a humorous, relatable character
  • lack of responsibility in tavern world
• 'Thou hast the most unsavoury similes, and art indeed the/ most comparative, rascalliest, sweet young prince' - Falstaff (1.2) 


  • established fondness between Hal & Falstaff
  • Falstaff takes on father role
  • highlights sense of camaraderie present in tavern world - Hal's escape from burdens of pressure & expectation of royal world - first 2 scenes contrast
• Struggles Hal is presented with in Act 1 scene 1 & 2

  contrast between the two worlds reflect the inner conflict Hal has between the obligations of his royal lineage and the allure of a carefree life amongst ordinary people
• 'Why, they will allow us ne'er a Jordan, and then we leak in your chimney, and your chamber lye breeds fleas like a loach' - Carrier (2.1)


  • don't even get a chamber pot & urine in chimney breeds fleas
  • actions of Henry, who is in power, have a chain reaction on those lower down in society
  • in a destabilised political climate it is those without power that bear the consequences of the actions of those in power
  • poor people suffer most when their is civil unrest
• 'Have you any lever to lift me up again being down?' - Falstaff (2.2)


  • Falstaff humorously travels on foot after Poins has secretly taken his horse - Falstaff joins in on this joke
• '‘Strike! Down with them! Cut the villains’ throats! Ah, whoreson caterpillars, bacon-fed knaves!’ - Falstaff (2.2) 


  • whilst they rob the men, Falstaff bounces around edge calling them mad things, not getting involved
  • humorous
  • find ourselves on side of thieves - whilst royal world is chaotic & depressing, the tavern world is more entertaining - audience being aligned with Hal in the tavern world
• By audience laughing at Gadshill robbery, suffering, ignorance of ruling class - we endorse it