Shakespeare ala Alchemist

James Orchard Halliwell wrote a brief, 50-page essay called the "Character of Falstaff." This I've just completed reading, and earlier in the day I completed Shakespeare's Henry IV: Part I. I though that this essay would help me understand the character of Falstaff, but instead it was more about the inspiration for his character and his initial character.

What I mean to say is, I learned something today.

According to Halliwell (and his common-belief associates), Sir John Falstaff was once Sir John Oldcastle. Shakespeare made a simple name change before the play was produced before too long.

I also learned something else today, the name of "Shakespeare" is quite similar to that of "Falstaff."

Shake=Fal (Fall) -- a motion, action, or descriptive?

speare=staff -- in one way or another, a stick?

If this allegory and/or semiotic holds consistent then Shakespeare must've found too much similarity between himself and Oldcastle to keep his name so. Thus, the name change to Falstaff.

But where do the similarities between the infamous character and author begin? Shoot, I couldn't answer that for you. Give me a few more of Shakespeare's historic reads then I'll formulate something. Instead, I'll give some of my favorite content from HenryIV:Pt.I.

Prince Henry and Falstaff, along with others, are kickin' it in the pub with some sack. Much sack, at least for Falstaff who ends up passed out behind the bar in given time/text.

Prince Henry - "That villainous abominable misleader of youth, Falstaff, that old white-bearded Satan."

This is Hal's retort after Falstaff's challenge to call out the cowardice (Falstaff's character, not necessarily Falstaff himself). Hal and Falstaff are not themselves, but a mere personification of their characters of themselves. They're play on their characters allow for free voice on the matter. Then a hostess enters the frame.

Falstaff - "Out ye rogue!--Play out the play. I have much to say in the behalf of that Falstaff."

Then after several lines...

Falstaff - "Dost thou hear, Hal? never call a true piece of gold a counterfeit; thou art essentially mad, without seeming so.

Prince Henry - "And thou a natural coward, without instinct."

It's funny that we should discuss alchemy and then I revert to something we haven't yet discussed and find the same theme. I should also say that my favorite show is The Wire, and a common theme in the show is that people shine their shit up and call it gold. It's a politically, criminally, economically, and socially driven narrative. It's a common theme among many writers, bullshit that is, so to speak.

Falstaff is quite the bullshitter, considering his acting in Act V. He fools Prince Hal into believing that he's died, but that's not so. Was this a move of cowardice? I doubt it because it he was having some fun. But Falstaff believed "'twas time to counterfeit..." Quite a one-of-a-kind fat man, kicking back, drinking sack, talking smack. It's his charm and liquid sworded tongue, always well worded that one. It's funny that he talks a lot of bull but is known for his cowardice.

Finally, back to the issue of Shakespeare changing the name 'Oldcastle' (3 syllables) to 'Falstaff' (2 syllables). It's a sound hypothesis considering some of the stanza's syllables fall short. Shakespeare didn't care to change it, and it's gold because it is so. If you break the rules of iambic pentameter then you needn't repent. You're (i.e. Shakespeare) the alchemist then you make your own rules. Sir John Falstaff is a product of Shakespeare's literary alchemical experimentation.

You can break the rules if you can get away with it, but Shakespeare might have not believed in rules. Because some rules are bullshit, but then again so is alchemy. People's gold can be anything, like a chocolate coin.