Language

The study of the language of Henry IV, Part One has focussed primarily on the use of prose and verse. Critics have examined how the use of prose and verse helps differentiate between the two worlds of the play. In the world of the tavern, Falstaff's world, prose is spoken, and in the world of the court, also identified as the historical world, verse is spoken. Hal, at ease in both worlds, uses the appropriate language when in the tavern or at court. Falstaff, in complete opposition to the courtly world, speaks only in prose. It has been noted that Hotspur speaks the best verse in the play. His speeches, like Hotspur himself, are straightforward and hard.

The use of oaths, or promises, has also been examined, as has the frequent manipulation of language in the play, Oaths, which are contradicted repeatedly by many characters including Falstaff, can...