Understanding Shakespeare: The Merry Wives of Windsor by Robert A. Albano - HTML preview

and by Falstaff himself, run rampant throughout the play. With such comments frequently appended are comments about the diminishing wit of the knight. The symbolism of the apple-johns (dried apples), signifying both age and impotency, contributes to the diminishing capacity of the knight in the second play (II, iv: 2). Falstaff no longer exhibits the same potency or richness of character that he did in 1 Henry IV.

Although there are flourishes of wit by Falstaff, they are certainly not as rich or as effective as they are in the first play. In a scene reminiscent of one in the first play, Prince Hal and Poins decide to once again play a trick on the fat night. In 1 Henry IV, the scene where Prince Hal and Poins question Falstaff about the robbery at Gad’s Hill (II, iv: 114-

284) provides one of the greatest moments of hilarity and mirth in the history play. Falstaff’s exaggeration, his miles gloriosus persona, and his ability to turn Prince Hal’s revelation to his own advantage all contribute to endear the lordly liar to the audience. But in 2 Henry IV (II, iv: 241-375), when Prince Hal and Poins disguise themselves as drawers to wait upon the knight and catch him up in his lies, Falstaff’s response is far less effective. When Hal and Poins first appear in disguise, Doll tricks Falstaff into speaking about them. Falstaff launches into a comic description critical about both the appearance and the intelligence of the prince and Poins. But, when the prince and Poins reveal themselves, Falstaff’s excuse, though verbally rich, falls short in