Essay about How is Henry V Presented in the Play?

Henry V is a historical play written by William Shakespeare, telling the tale of a battle between England and France. Two Archbishops inform King Henry, that his bloodline has a right to the throne of France. If he were to wage war, he would defeat them in any battle. While the story plays out, the audience is introduced to Princess Katherine of France There are multiple times throughout this play, were the main themes of marriage, gender, and warfare emerges and encompasses Katherine as a main contributor. Despite her two scene existence in the play, she becomes a major player in all three themes.

Shakespeare in Henry V shows Henry through his life as a king from just becoming king until right after the battle of Agincourt. King Henry made many people who doubted him and his motives rethink their initial thoughts. The way he handles issues and conflicts, he quickly makes them realize that he is not a person to be messed with. Despite the reputation of his younger years, Henry V proves himself a selfless king.

Brutality is not often associated with generosity, but King Henry V reveals both of these qualities when he says, “Therefore to our best mercy give yourselves, /or like to men proud of destruction/ defy us to our worst “(3.4.3-4) to the governor of Harfleur. Henry V threatens to decimate the town of Harfleur if they fail to surrender, but afterwards he shows mercy to its people. In Henry V, Shakespeare draws upon Henry’s brutal and generous actions, creating the image of a balanced warrior who makes sound decisions .By using brutal language and making generous decisions, Henry achieves merciful outcomes for both his enemy and his own people.

Henry V demonstrates his ability to make all of his men feel valued and equal by saying “ If we are mark’d to die, we are now doing our country loss; and if to live , The fewer men, the greater share of honour, which means that he is encouraging them to fight with a stride of pride and if they go down in flames so be it, own that moment. Also i would like to include that Henry V is making each and every one of them feel special by giving them a pep talk. Henry V led by example, situating himself in the middle of fighting, whereas with the French king. He trusted his nobles by leaving them under the leadership of the army.

This aspect helps to mold him to his future triumphs as a famous leader. In addition to that, His childhood experiences help build his morals and instill his Christian values (Stephen). Also, Henry V youth helps him develop a good relationship with his soldiers because he is used to talking with everyone. William Shakespeare uses the character of Henry V to provide insight to people that leaders should maintain a pure relationship with the people they rule. Through this, Leaders build and live in a harmonious state. Therefore, drawing from this play, leaders should not raise their identity once they assume power and forget about their past friends. Leaders when rising to fame and popularity, should keep hold of their humble upbringing together with their longtime friends. This helps them remember their personal lives and have a touch of the common citizen. Moreover, the play emphasizes on the impact that King Henry V had to his soldiers, and despite the play not showing numerous occasion when King Henry was in the battle, his vivid contribution and effort are recognizable throughout. William Shakespeare illustrates Henry V as an inspiration to soldiers and people as he helps them rise to larger ranks and attain more significant achievements (William, The Life Of King Henry The Fifth).

The allusion comes immediately after Fluellen and Gower’s mistaken appreciation of a king who has just ordered his men to cut the throats of the French prisoners, an act that perpetuates the ill-fated comparison to the impetuous and bloody Alexander. (Ibid, 1972, pg. 231). Retribution for the attack on the baggage train is the common rationale for such an act, however Stephen Greenblatt comments on the inconsistencies of this version of events highlighting that ‘Gower claims that the King has ordered the killing of the prisoners in retaliation for the attack on the baggage train, but we have just been shown that the King’s order preceded the attack.’ (Greenblatt, 1988, pg. 62). Henry’s action, therefore, comes not in retaliation, but rather as a tactical ploy in the face of a recuperated French attack. (Quint, 1982, pg. 51).

Throughout Shakespeare’s play, Henry grows as an individual to become an honourable king. The use of alliteration by the bishop of Canterbury with the words, ‘full’ and ‘fair’ emphasise the King’s grace and regard for others. Ely also states the change in Henry’s beliefs as he is ‘a true lover of the Holy church’, this shows the audience his change in attitude as well. However, bishop Canterbury does question Henry’s change, ‘the courses of his youth promised it not’, reflecting on his past actions. The metaphor Henry expressed, ‘I will dazzle all eyes of France’ highlights the power and fury Henry shows towards France due to the fact that Dauphin refuses to acknowledge Henry’s transformation. King Henry’s behaviour and attitude towards this refusal brought back his past self once again showing that change may take place and have serious effect but it may not change the individual’s attitude towards certain

King Henry’s yearning for honor and the challenges to his pride that he receives from his wild younger days instigates him to pursue war with France. He understands the magnitude of war, even probing the archbishop of Canterbury’s argument to challenge the Salic law: “For God doth know how many now in health / Shall

Claim to Power: An Analysis of Henry V In Kenneth Branagh’s 1989 production of Henry V, a history play constructed by William Shakespeare, several themes are prevalent to convey the political and social turmoil within medieval England. The most salient themes include the notion of patriotism and social class and they were endorsed in Kenneth Branagh’s character as King Henry V. The source of conflict is Henry’s challenge on King Charles VI of France and his authority as monarch, with his dubious claims on French territories.

For instance, when his army was outmatched by the French 5 to 1. Henry gave his men a very influential speech about how by battling alongside him on Saint Crispin’s Day, they would be his brother and raise their status to a high honor. As a result, the English armies morale was raised greatly and they won by extraordinary lucky with little causalities (4.3.46-62). Throughout the play, Shakespeare depicts King Henry as a very eloquent man whose rhetorical skills allows him to inspire his soldiers during battle, intimidate the French all while cleverly shifting the blame for the war off himself and unto others such as: Canterbury, The Dauphin, the governor and even the king of France himself; as if they are responsible for what was to come if they did not choose to cooperate with his demands. Henry is manipulative in his refusal to take the blame for the war and the role he plays in it.

Established in the uncertain times of Elizabethan England, William Shakespeare presents a glorious portrayal of King Henry V and his victory at Agincourt. Focused on Henry's conquest of France, the play is a patriotic homage to a heroic king interspersed with frank moments examining the realities of war. Henry V explores the king’s attempt to establish himself as the sole repository of political power, using the ideological concept of national unity to suppress any challengers to his authority and maintain the image of a powerful, commanding king. The play offers an array of themes and issues surrounding war including power, national unity, patriotism and leadership, giving insight to a renowned English victory and king.

Morally Responsible Character Development Responsibility in war isn’t always abundantly clear and Shakespeare uses King Henry’s dynamic character to highlight that issue. Shakespeare uses this heavily metaphysical discussion of moral responsibility in war to symbolize a permanence in Henry’s maturity by critically analyzing the position as seen by the king himself and his soldiers. The discussion between King Henry and his soldiers ultimately discusses one deep question: who is responsible for who in war? The soldiers themselves, especially Captain Bates, deem themselves responsible for their physical allegiance to the king and "if his cause be wrong, [their] obedience to the King wipes the crime of it out of them" (145).

In her epilogue, Curry presents the question of Henry V’s victory at Agincourt being either battle or murder. Her records of the events that preceded Agincourt gives a depiction of Henry being a person, which contrasts Shakespeare’s Henry V who seems charismatic and in a league of his own. In response to her question, his actions during his campaign in France only reflect the idea of battle, not murder.

When Henry delivers a speech, he conveys a lively and powerful message to his men. His passionate speeches inspire his men: “Now all youth of England are on fire” (2.C.1). Henry has an effect on his people. In his speeches, Henry praises his men and tells them they are worthy: “good/ Yeomen/… you are worth your breeding”93.2.26-7, 30). Henry explains that each and every man is just as important. As the other. Together with one another they form a strong team. Henry also states that his men will receive a “greater share of honor” (4.3.25). Henry wants his men to be hopeful and determined to win. Thus Henry tells his men of all the praise and recognition they will receive after victory. Explaining what greatness Henry’s soldiers could achieve, gives them a meaning to fight. Henry’s speeches are inspiring, and full of good intent, but his orations can be harsh. When addressing his men before invading Harfleur, Henry urges his men to “imitate the action of a tiger” (3.1.7) and “disguise fair nature with hard-favored rage” (3.1.9). Henry wants his men to fight with anger and passion. Henry believes that if his men are strong and harsh, then they will withstand the war and be triumphant. Henry understands the mind of his people. He gives them hope and passion to get them excited for war. Henry is successful in leading his men into

'play a set', he declares that they will play a game of war. There is