Abstract: Falstaff is an impressive comic character in Shakespeare's three histories, Henry IV, Part 1, Henry IV, Part 2, and Henry V. Nevertheless, his lines and the scenes related to him often imply the sin and punishment in the Christian sense, especially the idea of memento mori during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. As for the religious admonitions and moral preachings from the various people around him, Falstaff either sneers at them or evades them altogether. The only thing he cares about is his earthly enjoyment rather than any religious faith or salvation of his soul. Falstaff's obstinacy results in his final destruction - not only a desolate physical demise, but also a spiritual death as subtly implied between the lines of the play. Accordingly, the tradition of memento mori during the Middle Ages and Renaissance reveals how Falstaff was understood and judged by the audience in Shakespeare's time. Meanwhile, Shakespeare's portrayal of Falstaff vividly demonstrates the immense popularity of memento mori in England during the Renaissance.

Key words: Falstaff, Shakespeare, Henry IV, memento mori, Christianity