I have a favourite new character from a book!

There are times when you meet someone in a book of fiction that totally changes how you see life, or how their way of moving through life completely transforms the world for you- they smack you in the face and show you possibilities that you did not know existed. They make life more exciting by existing in your mind, and reminding you of their charisma, or strength, of obsessions.

Some of those memorable characters for me have been Pierre Beukhov from War and Peace, Sancho Panza from Don Quixote, Scarlette O’Hara from Gone with the Wind, Iago from Othello, Feste from Twelfth Night, Ramona Quimby from Beverly Cleary’s books, and Hamlet- to name a few famous ones.

And now I have a new name to add to this list!

I just finished reading William Shakespeare’s Henry IV Part 1 as part of my Shakespeare reading project where I read a play a month till I get through them all. This was my 12th play to read, and finally I met Sir John Falstaff…and what can I say except that I am dumb struck! A character with life and vitality and wit and intelligence to scorn the rules of the society that make no sense. He is unapologetically alive and happy with no thought of sacrifice and honor to withhold. He is epicurean in his tastes for food. He lives in joy. He is in love with himself and his life. 

How could I have not know about him all these years? But am I glad I met him. And, maybe at the right time in my life when I can truly admire the complexity of this character’s situation and witty intelligence. 

His remarks may seem silly, and he could easily be made a butt of all the jokes. But their lightness cut through the silliness of the society and expose them served on a plate of humour. Intelligence is required to see through his sense of hilarity. 

He may seem like he’s not taking life too seriously, but no one is more serious about living his life to the fullest.

Meeting Falstaff has been the highlight of my week spent with Henry IV Part 1. I know things don’t go so well for him in Part 2 (that I get to read in February). But I am very much looking forward to meeting him again, and to see how this amazing character behaves in times of hardship. 

And the question for me always remains…what can I learn from this character that will enhance my way of looking at life. Every memorable character is flawed. And its their mix of genius and flaws that make them stick in our brains. They all have something to teach us. My lesson from Falstaff is to look for humour, and take joy in this life…

Thank you, William Shakespeare.

Here is one of the juicy bits that Falstaff say in Henry IV Part 1:

Well, if Percy be alive, I’ll pierce him. If he do come in my way, so:

if he do not, if I come in his willingly, let him make a carbonado of

me. I like not such grinning honour as Sir Walter hath. Give me life,

which if I can save, so: if not, honour comes unlocked for, and

there’s an end.

Image Credit: Adolf Schrödter: Falstaff and his page