Henry IV; 1

Shakespeare's Henry the Fourth, Part One is a commentary on the purpose of life and the beginnning of death because it shows the lives of characters who must live up to the responsibilities vested in them. The characters who exhibit an abundance of life are the ones who are honorable in their intentions to fulfill the duties that they have been trusted with. From this, it can be inferred that Shakespeare in King Henry IV views the moment dying begins as the moment honor and duty are forsaken irrovocably.