Comment on the significance of Act 3 Scene 7 in what it suggests about kingship Henry, Society and the nature of war.
Henry V was written by William Shakespeare in the 1590’s. In Act 3 Scene 6, the English have captured Harfleur and are on their way to Calais. Henry and his army are battle worn. In this scene the audience is introduced to the conflict between Henry’s public side and his private side as a human being.
This scene portrays Henry in various ways. Firstly, as a model king, Henry cannot display any signs of weakness or appear flexible. However, Shakespeare implies that Henry loses his temper by portraying him as speaking in prose. This lack of verse brings him down to the same level as Bardolph and the other base characters. Henry does not acknowledge knowing Bardolph even after he has been named by Fluellen: ‘We would have all such offenders so cut off’. This statement suggests that Henry is trying to control his emotions and appear in a professional manner. Also, Henry justifies his reasons for punishing Bardolph to Fluellen; ‘And/We give express charge, that in our marches through the country, there be nothing compelled from the village.’ A model king should not have to justify his actions to his subjects as this suggests disloyalty and distrust.
