How Does Abraham Lincoln's Influence On Character And Reputation

“Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing” (Abraham Lincoln). In this quotation, Abraham Lincoln compares a tree and its shadow to a person's character and reputation. Abraham Lincoln explains that a person’s reputation can change, just like a tree’s shadow, but the tree itself is constant and true to its nature. Similarly, in William Shakespeare’s play, King Henry IV, Part 1, Falstaff presents himself as a responsible and trustworthy friend, although there is more than meets the eye to this complex character. In front of others, he says he will be a noble and caring leader, but on his own, he reveals that he is focused on his personal advancement rather than the
Lord, Lord, how this world is given to lying! I grant you I was down and out of breath; and so was he: but we rose both at an instant and fought a long hour by Shrewsbury clock. If I may be believed, so; if not, let them that should reward valour bear the sin upon their own heads. I’ll take it upon my death, I gave him this wound in the thigh: if the man were alive and would deny it, ’zounds, I would make him eat a piece of my sword (5.4.147-155).
Falstaff makes up a tale in which he fights and kills Hotspur after Hal leaves Hotspur. Falstaff tries to get the credit of killing Hotspur, and his cowardice prevents him from committing an honorable deed himself. Thus, Falstaff’s cowardly actions in the face of danger are shown when he fakes his death, stabs Hotspur’s dead body, and claims to have fought and killed Hotspur, because he fears death and cares only about himself, and this causes the audience members to rethink on how they would act in Falstaff’s
no. Honour hath no skill in surgery, then? no (2.1.129-134).
According to Falstaff, honor is not as outstanding as many believe, but rather something not worth mentioning. He does not agree with the common understanding of honor and in fact, believes it is the exact opposite, as being an honorable person does not help solve anything. Additionally, as he talks to Prince Hal, he says:
How! the Prince is a jack, a neak-cup:
'sblood, an he were here, I would cudgel him like a dog, if he would say so (3.3.86-88).
Unlike the common belief, when talking about the Prince, Falstaff believes it is acceptable to talk about royalty in an ill and mean spirited manner because he views himself as equal to or better than the Prince. Falstaff displays his view of honor in this excerpt by showing that even though he is talking to royalty, they are both equal to each other. Furthermore, while in argument with the hostess at the tavern, he yells:
There’s no more faith in thee than in a stewed prune; nor no more truth in thee than in drawn fox, and for womanhood, Maid Marian may be the deputy’s wife of the ward to thee. Go, you thing, go (3.3.113-117).
When it comes to