Sun Images In Shakespeare's Henry IV

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In Shakespeare’s play, Henry IV, Prince Harry (or Hal) and King Henry IV are surrounded by images of the sun and clouds. These two images relate to the type of regime King Richard led and the kind of reign that Hal will ascend. King Henry IV alludes to King Richard II’s lack of “sunlike majesty” during his reign over England (Shakespeare 3.2.79). Henry IV helped to depose the legitimate King of England, King Richard II, and Henry ascended the throne himself. Henry IV warns Prince Hal that he should not surround himself with “cloudy men” like King Richard II had done (Shakespeare 3.2.83). The sun embodies qualities of strength, stability, and power. This is because the sun always sits at the center of the solar system and is so massive,