Understanding Shakespeare: The Merry Wives of Windsor by Robert A. Albano - HTML preview

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Act II, Scene 2: Hang No More about Me

 

At the Garter Inn, Pistol is asking Falstaff whether he can borrow some money; but the old knight refuses. Falstaff is still angry that Pistol refused to carry his love letters. In his refusal, Falstaff stresses the concepts of reputation and honor. He tells Pistol that in the past he was willing that Pistol “should lay my countenance to pawn” (6- 7). Falstaff is observing that Pistol would frequently use Falstaff’s name in order to borrow money (the word countenance actually means face or appearance). And Falstaff frequently swore upon his own honor and reputation that both Pistol and Nim were good and honest fellows who could be trusted. As a specific example of his lying to protect Pistol, Falstaff mentions the occasion when Pistol stole the precious and valuable handle of a fan from a woman named Mistress Bridget (at lines 11-13). Falstaff sword upon his honor that Pistol was innocent even though he knew that Pistol had indeed stolen the handle.

Falstaff      then      tells      Pistol      to      leave      him permanently:

 

At a word, hang no more about me.      I am no gibbet for you. (16-17)

 

Falstaff cleverly uses the word hang as a pun. In the direct sense, Falstaff is telling Pistol to stop hanging around, to stop being in his company. But the word