Scene I explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Honor and Glory

  Fluellen defends his honor and the honor of his national tradition against Pistol's mockery, while Pistol laments that honor has been 'cudgelled' from him.

• National Identity and Patriotism

  The scene highlights Welsh national pride through the leek tradition and the contrast between Fluellen's integrity and Pistol's lack of respect for cultural customs.

• The Common Soldier and Class

  Pistol's fall from a soldier's honor to a life of thievery reflects the struggles of common soldiers after war.

Characters to notice

• Captain Fluellen

  Forces Pistol to eat a leek as punishment for mocking the Welsh tradition, asserting his honor and cultural pride.

• Captain Gower

  Observes and supports Fluellen, rebuking Pistol for his cowardice and disrespect toward an honorable tradition.

• Pistol

  Forced to eat a leek and beaten by Fluellen; learns of Doll's death and decides to return to England as a thief.

Key passages

• “Will you mock at an ancient tradition, begun upon an honourable respect, and worn as a memorable trophy of predeceased valour and dare not avouch in your deeds any of your words?”

  Do you dare to mock an old tradition, started out of honor and worn as a symbol of past bravery, yet you cannot back up your words with actions?

  Gower rebukes Pistol for mocking the leek tradition without the courage to stand by his insults.

• “Old I do wax; and from my weary limbs Honour is cudgelled. Well, bawd I’ll turn, And something lean to cutpurse of quick hand.”

  I am growing old, and honor has been beaten out of my tired body. So, I'll become a pimp and also a quick-handed pickpocket.

  Pistol laments his lost honor and decides to turn to a life of crime.