Royalty and Regrets

I would not say “regrets” is a big motif that is immediately obvious when reading the play King Henry IV Part I.  However, I think regrets are a big part of everyone’s lives.  I think the main issue is that a lot of regrets may arise after everything that has occurred in this play.  A lot of big decisions were made at the end of this play; a lot happened.  Hence, regrets may arise later on.  It’s hard to be regretful when the decisions you’ve made have just begun to set in.  Until things begin to happen as a result of those decisions, the consequences are unknown.  It’s nearly impossible to be regretful of something if nothing bad arises from it.

Hal may regret seizing his “rightful” position as King.  Of course, it’s not truly his rightful position due to the fact that his father stole the crown.  Anyway, he may regret not staying back where he seems comfortable, with the Pub Crawlers.  He would be able to live without the pressure of his subjects and those around him in the palace.  The decision he made will affect the rest of his life.  However, I am lead to believe he knows exactly what he is doing, due to his infamous “plan.”

All in all, the main thing is that there will be plenty of regrets to come, but it’s hard to target regrets within this play due to the fact that all major decisions were made towards the climax and end of the plot.  I am interested to see where those decisions lead in the next part of the play.