Falstaffs example essay topic

Falstaffs main characteristic is being a staunch prankster, a Lord of Misrule (Sewell). Up to certain point Falstaff is merely an object of pure entertainment. His character is present chiefly for the humor that arises by showcasing his ludicrous traits. The contrast between his reputation and his real character, seen most absurdly when, at the mere mention of his name, a rebel surrenders to him, for Sir John was the unofficial but universally recognized leader of a group of petty thieves.

But while ridiculousness is quite essential to the character, there is much more than just fun in him. There is no clear explanation or even a clue as to why, besides laughing at Falstaff, we are made happy by him and laugh with him. But while the foolish traits are quite essential to the character, there is an ugly side of Falstaff. The character deals with the situations surrounding the prince and the different paths he can take with his life. In some sort he uses his image in his own selfish need. His indulgences cause him to slowly lose his life and alienate the people around him.

In one of the episodes Falstaff fakes his own death to avoid a real one at the hands of Douglas to later claim that he killed the already dead Hotspur. By this action we can see Falstaff's pragmatism at work. He will not overlook gaining honor in battle if he can do so by avoiding its risks. When the warriors quickly become decimated on the battlefield, Falstaff famously questions the value of honor if one dies to achieve it. This might be not too appealing from the noble point of view but it is definitely practical and very useful in every day living type of behavior. A complex character, Falstaff is both comic and dramatic with a propensity and a real gift in his ability to both avoid trouble and negative judgment by his unending ability to redeem himself by his words and actions.

The universality of Sir John Falstaffs approaches to many problems and ability to solve (or, more often, avoid) them with less injuries, made William Shakespeare introduce the character later in King Henry IV, Part II. And all of the Shakespeare lovers must be grateful the writer for letting us once again enjoy Falstaff.

Bibliography

Desai, R.W. Falstaff: A Study of his Role in Shakespeare's History Plays. India: Do aba House, 1976.
Forward, Geoffrey G. What "Maior" is Falstaff Denying? as it appeared in Shakespeare Quarterly (Fall 1990) [ web Paris, Bernard J.
Character as a Subversive Force in Shakespeare. Ontario: Associated Press, 1991.
Sewell, Arthur. Character and Society in Shakespeare. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1951.