Shakespeare's Henry IV Sends a Message of Personal Sovereignty

When examining the specifics of what makes a sovereign nation, the audience must consider the historical aspect of each of Shakespeare's characters. In Henry IV, Prince Hal matures to a level that makes him worthy of the noble crown to which he is entitled.

In Shakespeare's Henry IV, in Act 5, Scene 4, Prince Hal is on the battle field along with King Henry. In fact, when Hal is injured, King Henry urges him off of the field of battle. To this, Hal replies, " God forbid a shallow scratch should drive The Prince of Wales from such a field as this, Where stained nobilities lied trodden on, And rebels arms in massacres!" (921). In essence, Hal is stating that he will not flee the battle field. He will remain on the field as his countrymen fight. Despite the lack of confidence King Henry feels towards his son, Shakespeare uses this father-son relationship to remind Queen Elizabeth that an individual's sovereignty is greater than political sovereignty.

While it is true that in Act V, Scene IV, Hal eventually respects King Henry's role and fulfills his duty as heir, Hal does this of his own free will, thus proving Shakespeare's ideal of personal sovereignty over the Crown's sovereignty.

In Scene IV, Hal shows his honor when he does not dispute his name. He tells Hotspur, "Thou speak'st as if I would deny my name" (921). Prince Hal admits his name on the field of battle, proving his desire to be remembered as a great leader and individual. Hal does not deny his name and does not run from the inevitable fight. He admits his name and prepares himself for battle.

All along, King Henry has been wishing that Prince Hal was more like Hotspur, but the underlying message to the Queen is that, left alone, great leaders will emerge from the linage inclined to rule England. Shakespeare's great message to the Queen is that a person's leadership will emerge from the individual when the person feels the calling from within. When that leadership is needed, individual sovereignty and leadership will reign strong, much stronger than forced coercion.

Shakespeare is telling the Queen, via Henry IV, that leaders will eventually emerge without forced leadership placed upon them. Leaders will take the lead when the path is clear to each individual, as it became clear to Prince Hal. Too much pressure does not make leaders; leaders are made when they feel the calling to lead others. Often times in literature, a story will emerge from history. An example of this occurs in Shakespeare's Henry IV. In Henry IV, Shakespeare teaches the Queen a lesson in sovereignty and propaganda. As Shakespeare's Henry IV indicates, the queen of England may have a lesson to learn about personal sovereignty and leadership.