As is true of every Shakespeare play, a number of themes and motifs appear in The Merry Wives of Windsor. Revenge is at the top of the list, but Shakespeare clearly reveals that revenge should not be ruthless or merciless. Shakespeare also develops his views on honor and jealousy in several scenes of the play. Jealousy is, of course, a common staple of comedy and fabliaux. The idea of honor is also a central theme of 1 Henry IV. In that history play the comic character of Falstaff even delivers a speech on the topic.