An Exploration of Shakespeare(TM)s Presentation of the King in Henry V(TM).

Henry V-William Shakespeare

An Exploration of Shakespeare’s Presentation of the King in ‘Henry V’.

The play ‘Henry V’ written by William Shakespeare depicts Henry to be a magnanimous but ruthless king. He is portrayed as a soldier, a romantic, a friend as well as a king.

In the first prologue of the play Henry is shown as having a mythical significance, which sets up an image of Henry before the audience actually encounter him. It is implied to the audience that Henry is an all-powerful being with ‘famine, sword and fire’ at his feet. This has a strong impact on the audience as a comparison between Henry and the Roman god of war suggests the magnitude of his power. ‘Assume the port of Mars’. It represents not only the power he has in physical terms, but also shows his authoritative position.

The Bishop develops the positive nature of Henry by referring to him as ‘full of grace and fair regard’, showing that he is not just an authoritative figure with immense power. In addition to this, in the conversation between Ely and Canterbury, the religious attachment of Henry is presented. For instance the quotation ‘and a true lover of the holy church’ shows that he is a person who loves and respects the church. Moreover, the fact that these positive comments are made by Ely and Canterbury who both have a prestigious status within the church, creates a significant effect on the audience as if such well respected persons are complimenting Henry then he must be an honorable person. On the other hand, this could be questioned, as the two bishops were in fact situated in an ante-chamber in the king’s palace, so they could in fact think that someone may be overhearing their conversation, so they feel it right to be complimenting the king.

Contrary to this perspective, in the same act Ely and Canterbury express their concerns over a ‘bill’ which when passed, could result in the church losing a great deal of wealth and land, ‘it pass against us, we lose the better half of our possessions’. As a consequence the conversation between them changes with the focus shifting on to methods that could be used to manipulate Henry, so that the church does not lose a great deal of its wealth. At this point, the impression of Henry is negative; a person who is depriving the ‘holy’ church of its wealth. For instance,

‘Which I have opened to his grace at large,

As touching France, to give a greater sum’

None the less, this ‘impression’ is challenged, when the ‘Bishop of Ely’ describes Henry as ‘A true lover of the holy church’, suggesting a contradiction, as the men who have the ‘religious’ status, are the characters who are greedy for status, money and power. As Henry is depicted to be of a positive nature, however this can be questioned by where Ely and Canterbury are actually situated (ante-chamber).Nonetheless, this could in actual fact suggest that they may use Henry’s love for the church against him. They hope that King Henry will side with them since he has shown himself to be fair-minded and true to the church. Also the Archbishop has opened up the issue of Henry’s claim to the throne of France that he hopes will distract him. Shakespeare up to this point leaves the audience contemplating about the real character of Henry, as Henry has not yet made any appearance.

In addition, not only does Shakespeare present Henry as a religious and powerful person, but also shows his quality as a politician. For instance, the quotation ‘Hear him debate of commonwealth affair’ further develops Shakespeare’s imagery of Henry as an intelligent and ‘good’ king. Qualities, such as leadership, religious tolerance and political wisdom are usually associated with an “ideal” king, and Henry seems to possess all these virtues.

Shakespeare makes reference to Henry’s adolescent years in the latter part of this scene, with the use of a metaphor.

‘And ...

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Shakespeare makes reference to Henry’s adolescent years in the latter part of this scene, with the use of a metaphor.

‘And wholesome berries thrive and ripen best

Neighbourhood by fruit of baser quality.’

The quotation above states that despite the fact that Henry was anti-social in his youth and was surrounded by people of a lower status, he has become a fine King. He has shown to have taken on responsibility ‘never was such a scholar made’. The contrast of Henry’s nature as a king, compared to his youth, is suggested by Ely who describes the qualities of Henry. Up to this point Henry is not perceived to be a hasty character as he has not made a rash decision to go to war ‘Doth his majesty, incline to it or no?’ again showing his political wisdom. This scene is carefully created and crafted by Shakespeare to change the image of Henry. Shakespeare wants to diminish the picture of Henry’s turbulent youth and prepare the audience for this intelligent and knowledgeable king. The reminder of Henry’s untoward behaviour in the past brings a sense of realism to the character.

The conversation between Canterbury and Ely about Henry’s personality gives the audience a fair idea of what Henry was like before he was a king, before he even makes an appearance. The significant event and speech in this scene which defines Henry’s character, is the response given to the insult of the tennis balls, sent by the Dauphin. ‘We are glad the Dauphin is so pleasant with us.’ The response made by Henry here, is shown to be sarcastically relaxed towards the offensive gesture which would have infuriated the ‘younger’ Henry. Hence, this demonstrates the contrast between what Henry was before and what he is now like as a King. Henry’s kingship is undermined, by the reference to tennis balls, suggesting that the Dauphin is aware of Henry’s past and thinks that he is only fit for playing games, but is not aware, that he is no longer the same person he was when he was younger. To the crude gift sent by the Dauphin, Henry further replies

‘Play a set

Shall strike his father’s crown into the hazard’.

Henry has used the insult of the tennis balls but turned it around onto the Dauphin, showing his intelligent and witty side ‘Shall stand sore charged for the wasteful vengeance.’ Henry, has adopted a more serious note and is angry, but seems to be handling the insult made by the Dauphin rather lightly, showing that he is not hasty as illustrated in the earlier scenes, but that he is calm and patient. However, the contrast between the Dauphin and Henry portrays Henry to be more mature and responsible than the Dauphin.

The speech before the gates of Harfleur, displays Henry’s skills as a spokesman as he manages to persuade the governor to let him and his men in. Henry does this by making various threats. For example

‘With conscience wide as hell, mowing like grass

Your fresh, fair virgins and your flowering infants.’

Shakespeare uses both alliteration and metaphorical language in Henry’s speech to create trepidation in the governor. The use of the alliteration allows significance to be placed on specific words; here Shakespeare uses harsh contrast to inform the governor of what could happen to France’s ‘fresh, fair virgins’, these being the women of France. He then further warns

‘If your pure maidens fall into the hand,

Of hot and forcing violation?’

Yet again this shows the use of metaphorical imagery used to cause apprehension in the Governor. Language is one of the most powerful weapons that Shakespeare gives to Henry. This can be seen in all of his speeches, and as a result provides Henry with what he wants and asks for. The governor then replies ‘For we no longer are defensible’ and adding that the Dauphin has not sent further defence to protect the city of Harfleur. The appalling threats made by Henry are shocking as this side of Henry has not been seen before. However, referring to the many portrayals and facets Shakespeare has given Henry, the threats Henry made could in actual fact be questioned, even on saying that he wouldn’t carry out the threats he made, Henry had the power to do so, but as he chose not to do it, portrays Henry to be a fine leader. This has worked out in Henry’s favour, as his men were already exhausted and as a result saved energy for further battle.

Another portrayal of Henrys personality is his emotive side. For example, he is shown to be a considerate and understanding being, as in the quotation,

‘A good soft pillow for that good white head

Were better than a churchlish turf of France’

Nonetheless, suggesting that Henry is good natured and sympathetic towards the old and wise Erpingham. He is also portrayed as feeling sympathy towards his men, as he compares himself to his men as they are fighting together for their country. The use of the words ‘Band of brothers’ in the famous St Crispin’s day speech shows the contrast to what Henry stated in the Harfleur speech, where he refers to his men as ‘dear friends,’ the fact that he refers to them as a ‘band of brothers’, shows how far they have come together. Shakespeare presents Henry like the rest of his men, showing the modest and humble aspect of his personality.

The way in which Henry’s men view him as a person also plays another part in Shakespeare’s presentation of him. The respect which the men have for Henry can be seen when Pistol describes him to be ‘a bawcock, and a heart of gold’ despite the fact that Henry ordered the execution of Bardolph, Pistol’s dearest friend. Furthermore, the comparison which Fluellen makes of Henry to Pompey the great ‘that there is no tiddle taddle or pebble in Pompey’s camp…’ shows comparison between the two. However, not everyone has the same positive view of Henry, as there are others with a negative view of him. In response to this, Henry is quick to defend himself. To be a king according to Henry, is not all about dressing up and wearing the crown, but is more concerned with the leadership and honour. He wants what is best for everyone. He does not just sit back and let his men do all the work, as does the French king, but is there at the front to lead his men in a dynamic way. This strong illustration of Henry, portrayed through the diction used by Shakespeare, has a strong impact on the audience, as it shows loyalty and honour. For example, the Harfleur speech states,

“Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more,

Or close the wall up with our English dead.”

The quotation suggests that Henry is again in the front line, trying to motivate his men. Henry’s passion and loyalty to be a good king, can be seen when Shakespeare writes

‘What infinite heart’s-ease must

Kings neglect that private men enjoy!’

Nonetheless, suggesting that the designation of being a good king, does not allow him to relax and be comfortable, as the whole country’s troubles bear upon his shoulders.

In addition, in Act 5 Scene 2, yet again a different facet of Henry is portrayed, where he is now the ‘lover’, the ‘romantic’ and declares his love for Katherine. However his attempt to flatter Katherine, one could say was unnecessary, as it was always meant to be that Katherine would have to marry Henry when he took over France. Henry also knew this. Shakespeare has purposefully juxtaposed scenes throughout the play, but is most noticeable in this particular Act, where the contrast is portrayed more than ever, from a dark unpleasant portrayal of war, to a scene of romance. He describes Katherine as ‘the sun’ because

‘it shines so bright and never changes,

but keeps his course truly.’

The use of dramatic imagery proposed by Shakespeare shows the expression of Henry’s love for Katherine, which one could debate, is real or not. ‘Take me; and take me, take a soldier, take a soldier, take a king,’ shows that Shakespeare portrays Henry in a positive light as Henry not only considers himself to be a King but also a soldier. Once more, he is a King who does not just say things and sit back and watch others do it for him, such as war, where he joined in and took an active role, unlike the French king who is the opposite of Henry. The use of humour is also seen in this scene, when Henry asks Katherine ‘Can any of your neighbours tell, Kate? I’ll ask them’. This would be humorous as Katherine is not giving Henry a direct answer and Henry therefore begins to become anxious as to how she feels towards him. Again humour is used when Katherine’s father walks in whilst Henry and Katherine are kissing, and Henry says ‘Here comes your father’. By moving away from Katherine, when her father walks in, also shows that Henry has respect for the French King.

Overall, Shakespeare has presented Henry in various different situations, showing him as a powerful leader and a great orator. The audience are left intrigued by him, as he shows great determination throughout the play, this can be seen in the speech before the gates of Harfleur and the active role he takes when fighting in battle. The different facets of Henry not only bring about confusion as he is such a complex character but also mystery. The respect that many held for him was just one of the many great qualities that made the fictional Henry such a great King.

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