King Henry iv Induction and act 1 scene 1 Analysis
Within the opening monologue, we are introduced to the character of Rumour. This character, as his name implies, is the personification of a rumour “painted full of tongues.”[1] Rumour is used to create a shadow of doubt within the audience’s head, as he causes society to question the “smile of safety”[2] that is cast before them. Shakespeare implies that society creates these rumours under the pretence of reassurance and safety, which “wounds the worlds”[3]. This is due to societies own beliefs in these false truths that they wish to hear, as opposed to the truths which they wish to neglect. This shows that these rumours “bring smooth comforts false, worse than true wrongs.”[4] Shakespeare cleverly, yet subtly, implies that it is us, as the audience and as society, who create these false truths. It is almost even worse to spread reassuring yet alluring rumours that actually commit to true wrongs.
Act 1 scene 1 is an exact representation of society creating these false truths that they wish to hear; as Lord Northumberland is informed of his son’s defeat and death, after previously being misinformed of his victory. After hearing this tragic news, Northumberland delivers possibly the most significant line relating to disintegration within the play “let order die!”[5] The use of the verb “die”[6] has a strong imagery of something crumbling and essentially turning to dust, hence disintegrating. Through Northumberland’s cry in sorrow and pain, he almost seems as though he wishes for society and “order”[7] to crumble or disintegrate, fundamentally allowing chaos to take place. Lord Northumberland precedes this crying out, with “Let heaven kiss earth!”[8] This line may be interpreted as romantic and could also have alluring notions, however the sense of ‘zeitgeist’ within this line is strongly perceived. Whilst allowing “heaven”[9] to “kiss earth”[10], Northumberland is breaking the hierarchy placed by society and suggesting that God is inferior to man. This ultimately shows a crumble in society’s faith and religious hierarchy.
[1] Shakespeare, W, King Henry IV part Two (Wordsworth Editions, Ware, 2013) line 0
[2] Shakespeare, W, King Henry IV part Two, Ibid line 10
[3] Shakespeare, W, King Henry IV part Two, Ibid line 10
[4] Shakespeare, W, King Henry IV part Two, Ibid line 38
[5] Shakespeare, W, King Henry IV part Two, Ibid line 154
[6] Shakespeare, W, King Henry IV part Two, Ibid line 154
[7] Shakespeare, W, King Henry IV part Two, Ibid line 154
[8] Shakespeare, W, King Henry IV part Two, Ibid line 153
[9] Shakespeare, W, King Henry IV part Two, Ibid line 153
[10] Shakespeare, W, King Henry IV part Two, Ibid line 153
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