A major theme of Shakespeare's King Henry IV, Part 1 is Prince Hal's "act of becoming" as he goes from Falstaff's "gentle joker" (I.ii.23) to King Henry's "righteous helper" ( V.iii. 48). The significance of the scenes at the Boar's Head Tavern, Hal's role-playing games with Falstaff, his parodies of battles and Hotspur, and his slum living in low-class society is that they are time intervals in the emergence of personality of Prince Hal, but they are calculated times of his own choosing. Evading his princely duties, he has chosen to play the part of the prodigal son until his father's throne is threatened and the time has come to answer the call of duty. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay In his soliloquy at the end of the first act, Hal reveals much of his nature. First, he is not confused, he is not faced with a dilemma, and he does not even feel guilty for being a rebellious son. Secondly, he is well aware that the environment in which he has chosen to move, the tavern society, is a place of disorder and idleness. It is a world that however has a meaning for the prince. He is not wasting his time there, but is practicing for events that will happen later. When he talks about his reform, he is ironic. He's rebellious, but he doesn't need to reform. Hal knows his true nature and will give up the "perpetual vacancy" when it pleases him (I.ii.191-214). The prodigal son will return to King Henry's court, but all in his own time. Meanwhile, he will have fun with the king of the Boars-Head Tavern, Sir John Falstaff. It is with Falstaff that Hal can exercise his wits. Their verbal exchanges exemplify that Hal is intelligent and a man with a clear sense of order, particularly regarding law and time. He is much younger than Falstaff, but can match him insult for insult and pun for pun (II.ii.63-83). Furthermore, it is precisely from the contrast between the two men that their best verbal banter arises. Falstaff has a complete disregard for law and order; Hal knows that thieves are hanged (II.ii66) and tells Falstaff that, while he may be a mad prince, he is definitely not a thief (II.ii.142, 138). Hal always knows what time it is; Falstaff doesn't care. Reproaching Falstaff for his lack of neat lines in time, he says, "...unless the hours were cups of sackcloth, the minutes, the capons, the clocks the tongue of pimps, the dials of the signs of the jumping houses ... the sun a beautiful warm maiden ... (I.ii.7-10)". Hal says that the bag was stolen on Monday and that he became a "man of all moods" at exactly midnight (II.iv.94). Furthermore, the Prince of Wales is a very prudent man, but also a little false. The Gadshall robbery incident gives us an example of his imagination and play. While the prank on Falstaff was Roin's idea, it is a way for Hal to join in on the fun without actually participating in the crime itself. He takes great pleasure and enjoyment in unmasking Falstaff, presenting him as a coward and a liar. Returning the stolen money with interest is a magnanimous gesture on Hal's part, but he is also defending his princely reputation. After all, it was the king's money that had been stolen. After Hal plays a trick on poor Francis, he immediately begins his parody of Hotspur, connecting the honorable Hotspur with a tavern servant. All Francis does is run up and down the stairs, unable to decide whether to accept the prince's offer of money - a path to freedom - or fulfill his duty as an indentured servant. All Hotspur does is move forward and.