About the assignment:
This Shakespeare essay is asking you not just to consider one play, or one character, but the way in which the play forms a culmination to a series of plays which Shakespeare wrote about kingship. In Henry V, he continues a theme which he has begun in Richard II i.e. what makes a good king?
This play develops a character first introduced as the wild young Prince Hal in Henry IV and now the audience has to believe that this ‘boy king’ can become a man whom his subjects not only respect but love. He does this by allowing the audience of this Shakespeare play to see both the inner struggles of the man and the strength of the anointed king, best exemplified by the famous St Crispin’s Day speech which follows Henry’s lone wander amongst his men in disguise, the night before the Battle of Agincourt (Act IV, Scene iii).
This Shakespeare essay requires that you focus on the way that Shakespeare shows Prince Hal’s development into Henry V, and also consider how he uses the interaction between the king and those around him to show this: his court, the church, the common men and his friends.
A suitable structure for this Shakespeare essay might be:
- An introduction centring on your thesis statement on Shakespeare’s intent and the methodology you intend to employ to show this.
- A main body of three paragraphs, the first identifying Henry’s early rebukes by those in authority, the second featuring his overcoming these one by one and establishing his kingship and the third showing how all of these blend to demonstrate not only Henry’s divine right to be king (like Richard II but unlike his father, the usurper Bolingbroke, who became Henry IV) but also his fitness for the role as ‘all things to all men’ and a strong leader.
- A conclusion which pulls together your ideas on the question and sums up your ideas.
Remember that this play is the climax of a series of plays and this Shakespeare essay should reflect that by showing some knowledge of the ethos behind the play to gain maximum marks. As with all of these Shakespeare plays, close analysis of the text is essential.
Sample essay response:
Introduction
Shakespeare’s “Henry V” is not just a play about a single monarch, but the culmination of a series of plays exploring the nature of kingship. In “Henry V,” Shakespeare continues a theme he began in “Richard II,” investigating what makes a good king. This play develops the character first introduced as the wild young Prince Hal in “Henry IV,” and now the audience must believe that this ‘boy king’ can become a man whom his subjects not only respect but love. Shakespeare accomplishes this by allowing the audience to see both the inner struggles of the man and the strength of the anointed king, best exemplified by the famous St Crispin’s Day speech and Henry’s lone wander amongst his men in disguise the night before the Battle of Agincourt (Act IV, Scene iii). This essay will focus on how Shakespeare shows Prince Hal’s development into Henry V and uses interactions between the king and those around him to illustrate this: his court, the church, the common men, and his friends.
Early Rebukes and Challenges
In the early stages of Henry’s life, as portrayed in “Henry IV,” Prince Hal is rebuked by those in authority, including his father, King Henry IV, and the nobility, for his reckless and irresponsible behavior. These rebukes serve as a catalyst for his eventual transformation. For instance, in “Henry IV, Part 1,” King Henry IV expresses his disappointment in Prince Hal’s behavior, contrasting him unfavorably with the noble Hotspur. This public censure highlights the significant gap between Hal’s current self and the king he is expected to become.
Prince Hal’s association with Falstaff and his band of merry, but disreputable, companions further cements his reputation as a wayward prince. However, these experiences are crucial for his development. Through his interactions with commoners and his exposure to the raw realities of life, Hal gains a deep understanding of his future subjects. This knowledge becomes an asset when he ascends the throne, allowing him to connect with his people in a way that his predecessors could not.
In “Henry IV, Part 2,” Hal begins to distance himself from Falstaff and his former life. The rejection of Falstaff, a symbolic severance from his past, marks a turning point in Hal’s journey towards kingship. This act of rejection, while seemingly harsh, underscores Hal’s commitment to his new role and responsibilities as the future king.
Establishing Kingship
As Henry V ascends to the throne, he begins to establish his kingship by addressing and overcoming the challenges that lie before him. One of the first major tests of his reign is dealing with the conspiracy against him, led by Cambridge, Scroop, and Grey. Henry’s decisive action in uncovering and punishing the traitors demonstrates his ability to protect his realm and assert his authority. This event also serves to unite his supporters, solidifying their loyalty and trust in his leadership.
Henry’s interactions with the church and nobility further illustrate his growing competence as a ruler. The discussion with the Archbishop of Canterbury in Act I, Scene ii, showcases Henry’s ability to navigate the complex political and religious landscape of his time. His decision to claim the French throne, based on the church’s endorsement of his right, underscores his strategic acumen and willingness to pursue what he believes is justly his.
Henry’s leadership is most vividly displayed in his interactions with his soldiers. On the eve of the Battle of Agincourt, Henry’s decision to walk among his troops in disguise allows him to gauge their morale and understand their perspectives. This moment of humility and connection with his men is crucial in building their trust and loyalty. The famous St Crispin’s Day speech that follows (Act IV, Scene iii) is a masterful display of oratory, where Henry inspires his outnumbered troops with a vision of honor and camaraderie. His ability to rally his men and lead them to an improbable victory at Agincourt solidifies his reputation as a great king and military leader.
The Culmination of Kingship
Henry V’s journey from Prince Hal to a revered king is a culmination of the themes explored in the preceding plays about kingship. Unlike his father, Henry IV, who seized the throne through usurpation, Henry V’s claim to the throne is divinely sanctioned and earned through merit. This legitimacy is crucial in establishing his authority and fitness for the role.
Henry’s ability to embody different facets of kingship is a testament to his growth and adaptability. He is a warrior king who leads his men into battle, a wise ruler who makes strategic decisions, and a compassionate leader who understands the needs and concerns of his people. This multifaceted approach to kingship is what makes Henry V a successful and beloved monarch.
Shakespeare also uses the interactions between Henry and various characters to highlight his development. His rejection of Falstaff symbolizes his departure from his reckless youth, while his dealings with the traitors show his capacity for justice and authority. His conversations with the church and nobility illustrate his political savvy, and his interactions with his soldiers demonstrate his ability to inspire and lead.
The culmination of these traits and experiences is evident in Henry’s conduct during the negotiations with France after the Battle of Agincourt. Henry’s marriage to Catherine, the daughter of the French king, is not just a political alliance but a symbol of the unification of two nations. This marriage signifies the ultimate success of Henry’s kingship, as he secures peace and legitimacy for his reign.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Shakespeare’s “Henry V” serves as the culmination of a series of plays exploring the nature of kingship. Through the character of Henry V, Shakespeare illustrates the qualities that make a good king: justice, wisdom, humility, and the ability to inspire and lead. Henry’s transformation from the wayward Prince Hal to the revered King Henry V is a testament to his growth and adaptability. His interactions with various characters and his handling of different challenges showcase his development and fitness for kingship.
This play not only highlights Henry’s divine right to be king, unlike his father, Henry IV, but also demonstrates his ability to connect with and lead his people effectively. The famous St Crispin’s Day speech and his victory at Agincourt are emblematic of his leadership and ability to inspire his men. Ultimately, “Henry V” is a powerful exploration of what it means to be a good king and serves as a fitting conclusion to Shakespeare’s series of plays on kingship. Through close analysis of the text, we see how Shakespeare masterfully portrays the complexities of kingship and the development of one of his most iconic characters.
Shakespeare’s exploration of kingship in “Henry V” provides valuable insights into leadership and the qualities that define a good ruler. By examining Henry’s journey, we gain a deeper understanding of the responsibilities and challenges of kingship and the ways in which a ruler can earn the respect and love of their subjects.