Henry IV Redemption

Redemption         In Shakespeare's Henry IV, the character Hal, the Prince of Wales, undergoes a transformation that can be characterized as a redemption. Shakespeare introduces Hal, in the opening act as a renegade of the Court. His avoidance of all public responsibility and his affinity for the company of the Boar's Head Tavern, have caused serious concern for the King, because Hal is heir to the throne. The King realizes that to keep order, a ruler …

…words, that give fuel to his later action. Finally Hal completes his redemption through the actions of defeating Douglas and slaying Hotspur. Hal has transformed himself from an undisciplined member of the Tavern to a hero of Court. By redeeming the honor and responsibility of being Prince, Hal has consequently had to cut loose his Tavern ties, because he can not be a witty and relaxed individual if he wants to someday rule the nation.