What's important about Shakespeare is the life IN the characters. You have to see beyond the language of the time, which to us feels artificial. The people are real. Hotspur and Falstaff are two of the best examples of aliveness in Shakespeare's work.
The opposition of Harry 'Hotspur' Percy and Jack Falstaff is not quite as absolute as the binary distinction Professor Cantor makes, I think. Hotspur is not all anger, as the scene with the Welsh wife of Mortimer shows. Falstaff does have his own conception of honour, his own good name and reputation as he sees it, his standing amongst and above his crew (Peto and Bardolph and the rest). He ridicules Poins' lack of valour. And what rewards does Falstaff seek for claiming to have killed Hotspur? Presumably at least in part honours. I think Shakespeare conveys a kind of honour amongst thieves that is similar to the honour of the prickly nobles, if less based on slaughter.
I came here after watching the Hollow Crown. Thanks for these series. Makes me want to watch it again
And I thought I had understood this play! What a gem. Marvellous.
What's important about Shakespeare is the life IN the characters. You have to see beyond the language of the time, which to us feels artificial. The people are real. Hotspur and Falstaff are two of the best examples of aliveness in Shakespeare's work.
Professor Cantor’s lectures make Shakespearere’s Henry IV part 1 very interesting. Professor I really enjoy your lectures.
agree
Paul's the true king.
So happy I stumbled upon these lectures! Prof Cantor is the best 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Welles did, in fact, use prosthetic devices and padding for his Falstaff. Rather obvious, Professor. 🙂
that was wonderful, thank you
The opposition of Harry 'Hotspur' Percy and Jack Falstaff is not quite as absolute as the binary distinction Professor Cantor makes, I think. Hotspur is not all anger, as the scene with the Welsh wife of Mortimer shows. Falstaff does have his own conception of honour, his own good name and reputation as he sees it, his standing amongst and above his crew (Peto and Bardolph and the rest). He ridicules Poins' lack of valour. And what rewards does Falstaff seek for claiming to have killed Hotspur? Presumably at least in part honours. I think Shakespeare conveys a kind of honour amongst thieves that is similar to the honour of the prickly nobles, if less based on slaughter.
Thank for your thoughtful opinion.
I think Dr. Cantor would appreciate this perspective. Nice idea to think over.
Genius
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