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.