Henry IV Part 1

In this play, fate plays a large role for Prince Hal. Initially, Hal lives a hedonistic life and, at a glance, seems a character far from regal. However, it becomes evident that regardless of the friends or endeavors he chooses, he constantly finds himself in situations requiring his leadership. Hal receives warnings from his father Henry. The king does not approve of many, if not all, of his son's prior choices; from behavior to comrades, Henry does not advocate. In the style of youth and holding true to his character, Hal is hesitant to alter his ways. The transition from young spiteful prince to monarch, if there indeed was a genuine transition, does not happen over night. Despite his juvenile ways, Hal walks an invisible path to being a just and deserving ruler. Perhaps he is destined from the beginning to be a revered ruler, because no matter the trouble Hal finds himself in, he always finds a way out and tends to emerge largely unscathed. Thus, Hal's rash behavior has little result with regards to his final standing. Perhaps he is "king material" all along and needs little transition or transformation. As much as he may try to escape his stereotype or future category, his actions simply play better into the end result.

Frivolous Fate

My big question for the year is: What is the balance between fate and personal choice, are they essentially or eventually the same?Oedipus's character seems to hit largely on this question. From birth a terrible fate rests on his shoulders from which he can not escape. His personal choices only play into his fate. His actions demonstrate that fate may change personal choice, but personal choice is unable to change fate. The harder Oedipus struggles to escape destiny, the sooner it arrives. Teiresius clicks his tongue at Oedipus when he says, "But I say that you, with both your eves, are blind: You can not see the wretchedness of your life..." (399). Despite Teiresius's blindness, he is able to comprehend the undeniable quality of fate. However, Oedipus, with both eyes wide open, seeks to escape the prophecy at all costs which leads to his ensuing downfall.