The Rejection of Falstaff

Abstract

This article discusses the rejection of Falstaff comparing Act 5, scene 5 of 2 Henry IV, with Act 1, scene 2 of 1 Henry IV. The rejection is inevitable because Falstaff represents disorder. His triumph would mean the victory of anarchy over order, stability and justice. But we become so involved with him that we even tolerate his conspiracies. He is clever, funny and one of the most fascinating characters in English literature. The two plays show the Prince as a good student of Machiavelli; we could consider them as a practical guide to instruct the Prince in his road to power.