King Henry IV Part 1 - Hal

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to Hal that allows him to change allegiances as political winds would call it wise. But it is not just amorality that makes Hal a politician - he desires power as well. His amorality culminates in his eulogies for Hotspur and Falstaff with the greatest grasp of power he makes in the play. After he gives them and Falstaff is found alive, he realizes that he has made a slight blunder and backs off a bit, allowing Falstaff some room to remain. But while he delivers them, he is at his best, being the worst. His basic behavior appears king-like, but the subtleties show his utter disregard for those who love him and his calculating mind making political estimates so that he can secure the throne.
Even though Hal is an amoral huckster, he must be able to convince others of his worthiness for the play to work. Therefore, Shakespeare must spend most of Hal's speeches using a convincing tone. He will use the overtones and most of the direct meanings of what Hal says to convey a thoughtful ...

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in love with vanity" - if he had not reformed. (V:4:107) Hal takes Falstaff's death in course, accepts it, and moves on. He is now a Prince, and it seems like his thoughts and actions are on high.

But Hal's thoughts aren't on high moral ground. He's a manipulative man whose only goal is power. If he really had respect for Hotspur, his first line in eulogy would not be referencing Percy's digestion by worms. If Hal cared for homage, he would not feel the need to cry triumphantly, "How much art thou shrunk!" which cannot be construed as anything but a disturbing view into Hal's immediate emotion. (V:4:90) He's gleeful because now he is the only son remaining. He has risen to power, and ...

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