Hotspur's Speech

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In Shakespeare’s play, King Henry IV Part 1, Hotspur’s speech to King Henry, in attempt to explain why he did not free prisoners when ordered to do so by the courtier, employs that he is an impetuous leader that is incapable of consistently obtaining respect. Hotspur says that the courtier confronted him after the battle, and that the man was, “neat, and trimly dressed, / Fresh as a bridegroom” (I.3.32-33). The man is composed and feminine, which prominently disgusts Hotspur. His repugnance of “neat” is looked down upon by King Henry, and is not respected by those Hotspur entails respect from. Hotspur is a hasty soldier that evidently contains no tolerance for weakness, fear, or even the slight details of courtly behavior. Though Hotspur is