SOURCE: Krieger, Elliot. “‘To Demand the Time of Day’: Prince Hal.” In William Shakespeare's Henry IV, Part 1, edited by Harold Bloom, pp. 101-08. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1987.

In the following essay, originally published in 1979, Krieger analyzes Hal's political instincts and moral ambivalence in Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2, particularly as these qualities are demonstrated in his relationship to Falstaff.

From his first moment on stage Hal disputes Falstaff's need, even his right, to know the time:

FALSTAFF:

Now, Hal, what time of day is it, lad? 

HAL:

What a devil hast thou to do with the time of day? unless hours were cups of sack, and minutes capons, and clocks the tongues of bawds, and dials the signs of leaping-houses, and the blessed sun himself a fair hot wench in flame-color'd taffata; I see no reason why thou shouldst be so superfluous to demand the time of day...