What is the importance of history?
Henry IV is based on history, and if those historical events hadn't happened then there would be no Henry IV play. It's not completely accurate, however, without historical inspiration for plays and stories, like this one, they wouldn't exist.
The importance of history is furthered by the characters and the plot of the play. You see, what happens in history is quite a big deal as it changes how things happen in the future. How so? Well, let's start at the beginning. Henry IV did a very bad thing and stole the crown to become king, thus he interrupted the line of heirs. He wasn't that great of a king and many people hated him, not to mention he had a poor relationship with his son Prince Hal. Now, if he hadn't usurped the throne would he have had a good relationship with his son? Or would he have just become a bitter old man? What would have happened to the people? Would there have been mass chaos had he not taken the throne?
Now, being the rebelious son he is Prince Hal would disgrace himself and his father by hanging out with the pub crawlers (you know those drunk people that earn their living by stealing). Would Hal have been a "respectable son" if his name wasn't already plagued by his fathers deeds? Would he still have his "political thinking" mind? (Though, here's a side question: in our modern day world does what our parents do reflect on us? Do we take on their reputations?) Anyway, continuing on with Prince Hal's character. Hal has this monologue where he talks about how people see him and what he plans to do about it. He more or less says, "because of my mischevious history my 'reformation' will be all the brighter." This demostrates how history influences how people view others. Had Hal been a good boy he wouldn't really have been noticed, and neither would his deeds. However, by having a negative past it takes people by surprise when he does something good and thus becomes a legend.
It's like with Falstaff (a pubcrawler). Because people knew of his... scandelous past they never took him seriously (even though he had some profound thoughts and insight).
Ah prejudice, isn't just funny?
Anyway I am running out of steam for this piece, but I will try to come back to this.
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