How does Shakespeare present the character of Henry V

The character of Henry V in the play is not a simple one as it has many aspects. In this essay I will try and analyse how King Henry’s character progresses and changes through-out the play and show why I believe Shakespeare represented the character in this way. To analyse the character of Henry V I will look at the King’s manners, speech and behaviour throughout the play.

An insight into the character of Henry is shown here in his behaviour when he became King. At the start of the play in Act One Scene One the Archbishop of Canterbury (Canterbury) and the Bishop of Ely (Ely) are speaking. The two speak of two important things to do with our question, Canterbury says that “The King is full of grace and fair regard.” To which Ely replies “And a true lover of the holy Church.” These both are qualities expected of a noble and honourable king, showing that Henry himself is honourable. However Canterbury tells us this was not always so, “The breath no sooner left his father’s body, But that wildness, mortified in him, Seemed to die too;”

These lines tell the audience how the King left his frivolous youth behind him and accepted responsibility of being King when his father died. This shows a king committed to his people, country and duty, by being willing to give up a life of constant fun. As well as a king who is able to adapt to certain conditions, an ability that can come in handy when his kingdom changes due to public outcry, religious reform or world affairs.

In Act Three Scene One Henry’s speech is world famous. However, it also shows a lot about Henry, his ...

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In Act Three Scene One Henry’s speech is world famous. However, it also shows a lot about Henry, his character and how he feels about his position as king of England. “Once more into the breach, dear friends, once more;” the two words “dear friends” tells the audience that Henry considers himself equal with his nobles and soldiers. These qualities are bound to make him a popular king. In his speech Henry mentions many aspects of life, including peace, war, honour and patriotism. “Follow your spirit, and upon this charge

Cry “God for Harry, England and Saint George!” An understanding of these is a good basis for kingship. Henry’s feeling for England is shown when he meets the governor of Harfleur, “If I begin the battery once again,

I will not leave the half-achieved Harfleur”. With the use of “I” Henry imposes that he is England. More qualities of Henry are preparation and tactics, as shown on page 117 when giving his orders to Exeter of what to do with Harfleur.

A good King should be able to converse with and understand the will of the common man and others and Henry shows this talent well in Act Four Scene One. This is the scene in which Henry passes himself off as an officer and a soldier when he walks among his troops. Here he speaks in continuous prose (the language of the common man). Henry speaks of his right to start this war and of his determination. “I myself heard the king say he would not be ransomed.” this is one example of Henry’s determination. Henry speaks so convincingly and with passion that he manages to turn a character named Bates, from questioning the king, to being willing to fight for him in battle.

This scene, again, shows more desirable qualities in Henry.

When Richard Earl of Cambridge (Cambridge), Lord Scroop of Masham (Scroop), and Sir Thomas Gray (Gray) are found to be traitors in Act Two Scene Two, a great aspect of Henry’s behaviour and character is shown as Henry feels deeply betrayed and feel he has to question all loyalties. The King’s intelligence and cunning is shown when he sets a trap for the traitors, he asks them what they would do to punish a traitor,

“Enlarge the man committed yesterday,

That railed against our person”.

To which Scroop replies,

“That’s mercy, but too much security.

Let him be punished…”

This act shows intelligence and justice (by giving them a chance to lessen their punishment instead of sealing their fate straight away). These once again are becoming of a good king. The king’s honour has been tainted and betrayed and this is a most terrible crime (High treason), and so here we see a side of Henry we have not before, one that does not take mercy on his foes. This is perhaps a quality of a king that others may not like to see, however we must take into account that at the time the play was set, in Plantagenet England, the execution of traitors was common place and would be expected. In-fact if Henry did not execute them he may have been seen as weak. An image that a King does not wish to be seen adopting.

In Act One Scene 2 provides another important insight into Henry’s character. The Dauphin disrespects the King when he sends tennis balls as a tribute to keep peace with France. Although deeply insulted by the Dauphin the King remains calm. His (the king’s) speech tells the audience of what is intended for France. The speech shows a king that is calm and does not make decisions rashly, a king with restraint. The king is sure not to appear insulted so as to show his power, by showing France may not effect the King no matter how deeply it insults him.

Metaphor is used in this speech, “We will in France, by God’s grace, play a set.” I believe metaphor is used to convey intelligence in the King.

Charm and an ability to woo and be loved by women are yet more qualities King Henry displays in Act Five Scene Two. With all these qualities being shown by the king it becomes more obvious what Shakespeare is trying to do , he is creating a perfect king. In this scene Henry is left alone with the French princess, Katherine and her attendant Isabel. “Mock mercifully, the rather, gentle princess, because I love thee cruelly.” This is just one line spoken by Henry to woo Katherine.

I believe that in this play Shakespeare used the character of Henry V to show his patriotism and inspire it in others. By telling the story that this famous and miraculous victory at Agincourt was lead by a king that was perfect he is implying that England is the country of God. Also the victory of England inspires patriotism in the common man and a belief that they are a special people chosen by God. In Henry V Shakespeare shows a greatness and divinity that all Englishmen should strive to achieve, by doing this he is creating a role-model for his time, a role-model that especially nobles would do well to follow as Henry the V has the qualities of a perfect gentlemen. One could perhaps say that in Henry V Shakespeare is setting his guidelines for a Utopian society (if everyone was as honourable as king Henry V).

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