King Henry Prompt Help

[Somye]

Hey guys, Bazza asked me to post this on his behalf seeing as he requested a ban from posting. He's struggling with how to deal with this question

"Ill so offend, to make offence a skill, redeem in time when men least think I will" Discuss the significance of these lines on the play as a whole.

Cheers!

[dilks]

It's a bit hard to explain, but you (Bazza) need to address Hal's Machiavellian agenda, and how he fakes his reformation
(from 'false thief' to 'true prince' if you like, although that is perhaps oversimplifying it). It is highly advisable that you address the relationship between this 'reformation' and the Parable of the Prodigal Son. It is important you contextualise the quote, and refer to other aspects of Hal's soliloquy which will strengthen your argument.

Edit: Of course you could also argue that Hal's reformation is in fact genuine, the text does offer that reading I guess, although the prompt is really pushing you in the other direction.