Shakespeare's Portrayal of Henry V as the Model Monarch Essay

I will show understanding of the plot, character and themes and Shakesperes use of language and dramatic devices within the play.

when he came to the throne. He had advisers to help him with the day

of the play. I will also explore the role the common man plays in the

         Henry V, written by William Shakespeare, is by far one of his more historically accurate plays. This play is the life of young King Henry V, who ascended to the throne after his father, Henry IV's death. These times were much different for England, as Henry V was a noble lord whom everyone loved, whereas angry factions haunted his father's reign. Shakespeare portrays a fairly accurate account of the historical Henry V, but certain parts are either inflated"deflated, or conflated to dramatize Henry V as a character suitable for a Renaissance audience.

central to the play. I am going to look at only the first act of the

To continue the study of honor, Prince Henry becomes King Henry V in Shakespeare’s play King Henry V, and audiences see the continuation of the theme of honor throughout the play. Fast forwarding to Act Four, Scene Three, audiences hear one of many memorable speeches by King Henry V during his Crispin Day speech. King Henry V exclaims:

Firstly let us consider conflict. In each act of the play, we see the overpowering desire to belong leading to a climax of conflict

In I Henry IV and II Henry IV, William Shakespeare brings together drama and comedy to create two of the most compelling history plays ever written. Many of Shakespeare's other works are nearly absolute in their adherence to either the comic or tragic traditions, but in the two Henry IV plays Shakespeare combines comedy and drama in ways that seem to bring a certain realism to his characters, and thus the plays. The present essay is an examination of the various and significant effects that Shakespeare's comedic scenes have on I Henry IV and II Henry IV. The Diversity of Society

important to note as the play was set at a time of monarchical struggle and the

"What is honor?" That question is one of the central themes from Shakespeare 's Henry IV. Throughout the play Shakespeare provides many different views of honor, but never directly states what honor is. Which makes sense because honor is a rather abstract concept that seems to vary depending on who states their opinion. There are some universal ideas of honorable deeds but the word itself is rarely defined by individuals. Two of the characters within the play have very different ideas of honor and vary greatly in their desire for it. They are Hotspur and Falstaff, Hotspur appears to have a very clear idea of what honor is and he pursues honor with great fervor. However, Falstaff questions the very existence of honor and has little to no desire for it. The ideas of Falstaff and Hotspur about honor are vastly different.

Using detailed supporting evidence, discuss the significance in the play of ONE of the following.

William Shakespeare's Henry V Shakespeare's, Henry V, was written in the late sixteenth century, this composition will focus upon how Shakespeare portrayed Henry V, using factual knowledge and Shakespeare's own interpretation. I will look at the character, language, structure and history of the play. Most Shakespearian, historical, plays were based upon Holinshead's Chronicles, these were mostly true but often Shakespeare adjusted the figures and facts to emphasise parts of his play's, and create tension and drama, such as when he is attempting to woo Katherine, to make a more interesting play. Many of Shakespeare's plays were historical, based upon actual happenings.

Henry V is a wise and loyal king, changing from a wild youth to a mature king. He is described to be an intelligent, thoughtful and an efficient statesman. He thinks carefully whether to invade France or not which represents his responsible character. King Henry gives a very strong speech which gave courage and confidence to his army that they could win the battle. This character describes him to be a king of great ability to fight and having good administrative skills. Throughout the play Henry’s nature is religious, merciful and compassionate.

Shakespeare celebrates this English monarch, displaying what makes him a good leader. Henry expels justice and mercy, he listens, he motivates, and he is gravely aware of his responsibilities as king. Like the historical Henry V, Shakespeare’s Henry V was an enlightened and effective executive leader. (Herbel, 2015) The play is often referred to as a vehicle for inspiring patriotism, which well might have been the case in Shakespeare’s time and was written as a tribute to the king who won back the throne of France for England. (Henry V, 2007) In the play, King Henry is portrayed as a strong leader through his character, actions, and decisions. Shakespeare’s play besides being a splendid historical chronicle and a dramatic masterpiece is a classic text on five lessons in leadership. (McCombs, 1992)

Henry V is Shakespeare on leadership. Shakespeare celebrates this English monarch, displaying what makes him a good leader. Henry expels justice and mercy, he listens, he motivates, and his is gravely aware of his responsibilities as king.