Honour, in historical times, is usually depicted by the allusion of the `knight in shining armour'. However, in the play, 1 Henry IV, Shakespeare opposes this cliché by presenting multiple views of honour. These multiple views of honour range from the most influential element in life, to being a tool, to being worthless, allowing a reader to decide for one's self. What are Shakespeare's views of honour as portrayed in the play? Shakespeare's views of honour are portrayed and contrasted in the play through Hotspur, Falstaff and Prince Hal.

Hotspur presents Shakespeare's first view of honour as the traditional honour. Hotspur's traditional exemplification of honour is evident throughout the play. Firstly, Hotspur is portrayed with the essential elements of an honourable man such as persuasion, diligence and virtue. Secondly, Hotspur considers honour a prize won and lost in the battlefield. He considers men like Hal, that spend their time...