How does one reconcile public duty, responsibility and ego, with that of the private? The two are opposed, yet exist within one person, and in many of Shakespeare's most famous plays, this struggle is captured to perfection." />

Private Versus Public - Part I


Public versus private person. It is a concept addressed by Shakespeare -- especially where it concerns royal characters. He explores the complexities that affect the self, and finds that its desires are often in conflict with what society demands.

Recall this exchange from I Henry IV. First, we have Falstaff's entreaty --

No, my good lord, banish Peto, banish Bardolph, banish Poins, but for sweet Jack Falstaff, kind Jack Falstaff, true Jack Falstaff, valiant Jack Falstaff, and therefore more valiant being, as he is, old Jack Falstaff.
Banish not him thy Harry's company,
Banish not him thy Harry's company,
Banish plump Jack, and banish all the world.

To which Hal replies -- I do; I will. (2.5.431-39)

Here, the two are playacting. Hal's role as heir apparent has made it necessary for him to be prepared for the impending responsibilities the throne will thrust upon him. And quite naturally, the company he kept prior to his crowing could be questioned in time.

It is for this reason that Falstaff suggests the group prepare Hal's answers, but while Falstaff first assumes the role of King Henry while Hal plays himself, it is Hal who ultimately reverses the roles and lets Falstaff play the prince, while Hal plays his father.

The result is a foreshadowing of things to come - "I do; I will." Hal, in speaking in his father's voice, is able to speak with the cold detachment of royalty, but the audience knows that he is in fact speaking for himself. This is what must be once he assumes the throne. Though he keeps company with Falstaff and the tavern friends now, it is only a matter of time before he will "Banish plump Jack, and banish all the world."

Hal will have to separate himself from this group and in effect, assume the public person of a king, even though his private person might have chosen otherwise. Shakespeare illustrates the difficult situation kings and queens find themselves in as they struggle between what they wish and what is expected, demanded of them. Ultimately, their duties dictate their person, and as king, Hal will have to act in the way his kingdom expects. The public self supersedes the private.

The separation of private and public person is very real for every person, but for royalty, it seems to be more so. Again, it is honesty with the self versus responsibility to status, subjects and the role of king or queen - "I shall hereafter, my thrice-gracious lord,/ Be more myself." (I Henry IV, 3.2.92-3).

The copyright of the article Private Versus Public - Part I in Shakespeare's Works is owned by Jennifer Alpeche. Permission to republish Private Versus Public - Part I in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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