Prince Hal In Shakespeare's Henry IV

Prince Hal in Shakespeare’s Henry IV Part 1 justifies associating with drunks and thieves at the beginning of the play. In Act one at the end of scene two, he has a soliloquy that explains his reasoning straight to the audience. He says he will “imitate the sun” and when he goes back to himself it will be a reformation. Basically, the people think little of him while he is putting on this act, so he will have their surprise and love by being a great King in contrast. I also think that he enjoys the company because he can let loose and not have the burden of the court surround him daily. Maybe part of it is that he thinks if he does all these things before becoming King, he will not be tempted by them later in life. There are many reasons