Henry rallies his men for an assault on Harfleur and gives one of his famous speeches showing he is a natural leader and is very articulate with his men. However the low-lives are cowardly and attempt to hide and avoid the battle, however they are found by captain Fluellen, a Welsh captain, who is then involved in a comical argument with an Irish captain, a Scots captain and an English captain, we seem to have a joke that has lasted centuries with an Englishman an Irishman and a Scotsman, the argument is made even funnier by the fact that most of them cant speak English properly, or have an foreign accent or a difference in speech, such as the Welsh captain who pronounces B as P, like when he tries to say “Alexander the Big”, he says “Alexander the Pig”.
Henry then warns the Governor of Harfleur of the death and destruction that will follow if he does not surrender the town, when the governor is tolled that the French army is not coming to help them he surrenders, Henry managed to force the town into surrender without any unnecessary loss of life.
At the French court Katherine is trying to learn English with her maid, people of the time would have found it funny that someone could not speak proper English. Also some of the English words sound indecent to French ears and the Princess is shocked
The French King is discussing Henry’s progress with his nobles; they express contempt for the cold and damp little Island which they came from. He orders them to move against the English and defeat them however he refuses to allow the Dauphin to go with the army.
In the English camp, Pistol falls out with Captain Fluellen because he refuses to intercede with Bardolph, who is to be hung for robbing from a church. The French King sends Henry a Herald with the terms of his surrender and ransom. Henry says he does not seek a fight but will do so if his army is prevented from reaching Calais.
The night before the battle, the French nobles boast to each other about the equipment and their horses. The are so confident they begin to pity the English.
ACT IV. The Chorus describes the scene as the two armies wait for morning, one more than the other. King Henry moves round the camp visiting his men. He borrows a cloak and in disguise he sounds out the feelings of some of the common soldiers. He is conscious of his great responsibility and prays for Gods support. This is the only time in the play that he uses Prose other than when he is trying to win Katherine’s favour by expressing himself to be no more than a common soldier, this is ordinary spoken or written language, without a set pattern or regular rhythm, usually Henry speaks in Blank verse these are lines which have a rhythmical pattern but do not rhyme. Most of the play is in blank verse, with iambic pentameters, a line or verse with five pairs of syllables, each pair consisting of an unstressed and a stressed syllable.
In the morning the French nobles, full of confidence, leave their camp for the
Battlefield. They comment about the English saying there are not enough to give them a decent battle & they worry that the English will be so overwhelmed by the French they will surrender without a fight
The English lords wish each other good luck and Henry addresses them, saying that the day will go down in history and that those who stayed in England will always
Regret that they were not present at the battle. Once again Henry rejects the offer of a personal ransom from the French and urges his men forward.
We are shown a number of short scenes from the battle. The film had a much
larger scene on the battle as it is a cheaper way of filling time and the true horror can be expressed more vividly, whilst writers find it easier to write literature rather than descriptive text, as it sounds awkward to drone on about someone stabbing someone else on a large battle scale.
Pistol is mistaken for a lord and a French soldier tries to pay his way out of death, and the French nobles are shocked ashamed by their lack of success.
After the battle we hear of the brave deaths of two English nobles and of the
cowardly slaughter by the French of the boys who were with the English army’s
baggage.
The French herald comes to concede defeat and to ask Henry’s permission to gather the dead. We hear details of the French prisoners and of the dead on both sides. Henry gives orders for prayers to be said and for the armies return to England.
The Chorus tells us of Henry’s enthusiastic reception in London. He asks us to skip the intervening events (in fact a period of four years) and, ask us like Henry to return to France.
Fluellen takes revenge on Pistol for insulting his culture by making Pistol wear a Leek round his neck. Pistol as the only survivor of the low lives (Bardolph, Nym, Falstaff are all dead and we must assume that the Boy servant was killed along with the other boys watching over the English army’s baggage.) decides to return to England to make a dishonest living in the underworld of London. King Henry’s and his nobles greet the French. Henry then sends his advisors to discuss the peace terms with the French King whilst he talks with Katherine, easier said than done as neither can speak the others language. This language barrier helps to make he scene more comical also he cannot win her over with fancy words and so must gain her love with just a few plain spoken words. After a brief talk with Katherine, she agrees to marry Henry with her fathers consent. The French King agrees with the Peace terms and also with Katherine’s marriage to Henry with the hope that there will be peace between the two countries.
The Chorus apologises again for the shortcomings of the drama. We are also that tragically his son Henry IV lost all of Henry V’s gains.
Now I shall show Henry’s character more clearly in my Detailed Analysis.
The Chorus tells us of the excitement and anticipation in England as the King and his followers prepare for war. We learn that the French have bribed three English traitors to murder Henry before he sets sail. When we next see the King he will be in Southampton. The business-like preparations of the English contrast with the vanity and show of the French nobles later in the play. The audience would be curious about the outcome of the murder plot.
Act II scene II. This scene shows Henry’s cunning side. Some of the English lords are discussing the villainy of the traitors in their midst when the King enters in the company of the 3 conspirators. He asks their opinion of the prospects for his invasion of France. They answer with encouraging words and praise him as being the greatest King ever “ never was a monarch better feared and loved”. Henry says he will not forget to reward people according to their deserts.
Henry orders the release of a drunk who was arrested for shouting insults at him in the streets, but the traitors protest that he is being to lenient. He then hands the traitors written orders that are in fact details of their treachery. Shakespeare writes this as if the plan to arrest the traitors seems has been thought out before hand, the King seems to have risked being in the company of people who were bribed to kill him. This needs a great amount of courage and calm nerves, qualities that Shakespeare has given Henry to show his courage and ability to keep himself under control and think rationally all qualities that gives the image Shakespeare wants to create, of Henry being the model monarch. The traitors immediately fall on their knees and submit to his mercy
“ I do confess my fault, and do submit me to your Highnesses mercy.” “ To which we all appeal.”
. Henry says that they have just advised him against being too merciful. He denounces them for their treason and gives a long speech about how much they disappoint him, particularly Lord Scroop who had been close to him and in whom he had confided a great deal. The traitors repent and accept their fate. King Henry sentences all of the traitors to death and they are taken away to be executed. The discovery of the plot is seen by Henry as a sign that God is on his side and he orders the immediate departure of the invasion fleet. At the beginning of the scene we share the knowledge with the King and his lords that the plot has been discovered and we are anxious to see how the traitors will be exposed and how they will react. Henry shows his command of the situation by playing with the traitors to get them to sentence themselves by asking for their input on a drunk who hurled abuse at the King. We see that Henry is firm in his punishment of serious crimes, which is an important characteristic as a king, and Henry is also merciful in the case of the drunk as he thinks that the comments were only said under the influence of alcohol and not when he was in his right state of mind
Act III scene I. The Chorus asks the audience to imagine they have watched the English fleet, like a floating city, sailing towards Harfleur. We are told of the siege of Harfleur and of the French Kings offer of his daughter in marriage and some profitless Dukedoms. Henry rejected the offer and the siege continues. The Chorus is used to help create the sense of spectacle and the movement of great forces. He also gives us historical information, which helps us to understand later events. This is also the first we hear of Princess Katherine and the suggestion of marriage between her and Henry.
When we come to the siege of Harfleur Henry is rallying filling them with inspiration his men for one more attack on the town. He calls on them to summon up their most fierce and aggressive qualities and reminds them of the victories of their forefathers. To achieve his purpose Henry uses several approaches to his speech:
He calls his men “Dear friends”, implying that they are his willing companions.
He prompts his nobles to live up to the exploits of their forefathers and set an example to people of more common blood.
He flatters the ordinary soldiers (Yeomen) with the suggestion that he sees “noble“ qualities shinning in their eyes.
He makes the battle seem exciting by comparing it to a hunt.
ACT III scene III. King Henry addresses the Governer of Harfleur. He tells him that this is mis last chance to surrender and describes in vivid terms the destruction and murder which will follow if the English troops are let loose on the town. The Governer has been told that the Dauphin is unable to send him reinforcements, and he surrenders to Henry. Henry is both merciful towards the French a qulaity we see in act 2 scene 2 when he lets a drunk off after he was yelling insults at the king, and careful with his own troops, he avoids unneccary bloodshed. In his speach we are given a graphic description of the brutalities of warfare. We also learn that dispite this victory the English army is weak and vulnerable. The French have not yet committed their main troops.
The King leaves Exeter in charge of the town with instructions to be merciful to the people. His army has been weakened through sickness and he intends to withdraw to Calais for the winter.
ACT IV scene I. The Chorus describes the sights and sounds of the night before the battle as the two armies are camped near each other. He contrasts the overconfidence of the French with the war-weary English who seem like ghosts. We hear that Henry is visiting his soldiers and that his confident and friendly manner gives them comfort. The Chorus again asks us to pardon the limited resources that have been used to show such great events. The Choruses description compensates for the limitations of Shakespears theatre. The plays were performed in the daylight with little or no scenery. Henry’s relationship with his troops is seen as friendly, comforting and inspiring. He is shown like a ray of sunshine to these ill and tired soldiers.
King Henry is discussing with the Duke of Gloucster the dangerous position they are in when they meet the Duke of Bedford and Sir Thomas Erpingham, an elderly knight, Henry talks cheerfully to them and borrows Sir Thomas’s cloak. He sends them to tell the other lords to meet him in his tent. We see the friendly relationship between Henry and his nobles and his obvious affection for the elderly Sir Thomas.
ERPINGHAM-The Lord in heaven bless thee, noble Harry!
KING-God-a-mercy, old heart! thou speak’st cheerfully.
When the others have left Henry is challenged by Pistol. He does not reveal his identity and claims to be a Welshman. This causes Pistol to brag about what he intends to do to Fluellen and when Henry claims to be Fluellen’s kinsman, he insults him and leaves. When Pistol talks to other people he uses mock heroic, this is when he uses ridiculous, comic grandeur. Most of Pistols speech is in mock heroic. Pistol and Fluellen also provide a little humour to lighten this otherwise brooding and rather reflective scene. We can anticipate sparks when these two meet.
Three ordinary soldiers enter, Court, Bates and Williams enter. Dawn is breaking and they view it with apprehension . When they see Henry he pretends to be a soldier under Sir Thomas Erpingham’s command. They discuss the King and his responsibilities They all argue with each other about the Kings cause being just, in the end they decide to settle their differences after the battle and exchange gloves, which they will wear in their hats to recognize each other. Bates reminds them they have enough enemies to deal with already. We are given some insight into the view of the common soldier we are reminded that their deaths would leave their families destitute, he also speaks to his soldiers man to man and does not take refuge in his rank and power even when threatened with violence. When the soldiers have left he speaks his thoughts about the heavy burdens of kingship and compares them with the life of a slave who could sleep peacefully at night. During this small speech Henry uses Soliloquy a speech made by a character directly to the audience, which reveals his or her thoughts. Henry also prays to God to help him in the battle and not to punish him for his father’s sins, we are told that Henry is a strong believer in God and prays regularly in the first act, and also does not use Gods name in vain unlike the French nobles.
ACT IV scene III. Henry is a competent general and has drawn up his forces before the French are ready. He has chosen the ground. We are again reminded of the great French advantage in numbers and the weakness of the English forces. Once again the arrogance and contempt of the French lords help to increase the audiences anticipation of their defeat and humiliation.
The English leaders are assembled before the battle. We hear that King Henry has gone to view the enemy forces. His army is outnumbered five to one. The Earl of Salisbury leaves to take up his position and bids a friendly farewell to the others. When the King returns Westmorland says he wishes they had another ten thousand men. Henry disagrees and points out that the smaller the army the greater the honour if they win. To emphasise this point he offers free passage home for any man who wishes to leave. He tells them that this is the feast day of St Crispian and promises that those who survive would never forget it. On the anniversary they will be proud to show their wounds and tell the story of the battle. It will be passed down in history and those who were not present will envy them.
Salisbury arrives to announce that the French are ready to attack. He is followed by Montjoy the French herald with another enquiry about Henry’s ransom price should he be captured. Henry offers nothing but his bones, if the French manage to kill him. He sends a defiant reply to the constable of France saying that his soldiers may look poor and dirty but their hearts are ready and willing. He tells Montjoy not to come asking about ransom again. Relationshipss between Hnry and his nobles are friendly and caring, he also cleaverly makes a virtue out of their small numbers to inspire confidence in his followers, he encourages them to think themselves as privileged to be present . they are about to make history. He also flatters them by calling them “his band of brothers“. He generously allows the Duke of York the honour of leading the main body of troops.
In this essay I have tried to prove that Shakespeare portrays Henry as the model monarch the point of this essay was to put forward my points on why I think this and a short general summery on the whole play. In this essay I have shown that Henry is a devoutly religious man. That he has a good knowledge of scripture and other areas of learning, also Henry’s physical courage is never in doubt. We see him leading his men at the seige of Harfleur and hear that he has been in personal combat at Agincourt. As a leader of men Henry has a wonderful insight. He encourages his nobles with references to their forefathers deeds and flatters his common men saying that he sees noble qualities in them, he refuses to ransom for himself and inspires his men with friedly words. He is a skilful military commander and avoids useless loss of life such as at Harfleur. In matters of state Henry is firm and decisive. His reply to the Dauphins “tennis balls“insult is angery but restrained and he listens to the advice of others. He dispences justice in a fair and impartial manner. The three traitors are condemned to death because they have threatened the safety of the kingdom and does not seek personal revenge & also has qualities which encoiurage us to believe in him as a human being, not just a paragon of kingly virtues. He has a sense of humour and is awkward and blunt when speaking to Katherine.
I have done an Introduction, General summery, Detailed analyasis and a Conclusion and have put forward all my views and fulfilled the question criteria and have proven that Henry V is portrayed as a model monarch.