Shakespeare's Henry V example essay topic

In many literary works by Shakespeare, numerous protagonists whom he created were multifarious and complex. King Henry, as portrayed in Shakespeare's Henry V, is no exception. Throughout the play, Shakespeare does not only mold Henry into an intricate character, but into a plausible one as well. The character of Henry unfolds as Shakespeare transforms him in each scene. Many times, Shakespeare depicts Henry as dominant and perhaps ruthless, yet he is a sensitive lover near the resolution of the play. Henry V is presented brilliantly as a multi sided character by exhibiting his leadership in his military, his piety and his benevolence.

The equilibrium of all these characteristics encompasses all the necessities which allow Shakespeare's genius to create a multifaceted character. In the beginning, we find that Henry exercises strategic planning to ensure that his country is protected from the threat of Scottish invasion. Before he attacks France he leaves sufficient forces in England to "defend / Against the Scot" (1.2. 137-138). Moreover, Henry is an eloquent motivator of his soldiers.

His rhetorical skills are demonstrated in his famous speeches at Harfleur and Agincourt. In the speech "Once more unto the breach, dear friends" (3.1. 1) Henry rallies his forces to endure one last attack to finally win the city. Also, before the battle of Agincourt he appeals to his infantry to join him as a "band of brothers" (4.3.

60) so that Saint Crispin's day will be a heroic memory forever. In both cases his troops eagerly follow him into battle. However, it is significant that Henry fights alongside his soldiers. He tells his men whoever is willing to "shed (s) his blood with me" (4.3. 61) will be his brother.

This represents his commitment and leadership to invigorate his troops. But Henry is more than just a leader directing his countrymen. On the other hand he shows his piety throughout the play. Before Henry makes the decision to invade France, he makes sure it is proper to proceed with his campaign by consulting the Archbishop of Canterbury. He would not have forged ahead if it was not authorized by the highest level of authority of the Church of England. Also in every battle, Henry has an absolute reliance on God.

In his soliloquy before the battle of Agincourt, he says, "O God of battles, steel my soldiers' hearts; / Possess them not with fear" (4.1. 287-288). Also before the same battle, King Henry says, "And how thou please st, God, dispose the day" (4.3. 132) to signify that he has no control over the outcome. Both these examples demonstrate the relationship between King Henry and God. Even when the battle was fought and won, he gives no credit to himself and his people but only to God.

He tells his men to sing, "Non nobis and Te Deum" (4.8. 123) which translates to 'Not us and You God'. Henry believes this was all his Father's doing and told his men to believe it as well. He has a remarkable amount of spirituality for such a soldier, however these were not all his attributes. During the battles against the French, he was deemed pitiless, however in between these periods he was the opposite and humane. After the victory at Harfleur, Henry tells Exeter, "Use mercy to them all" (3.3.

54). It was commonplace in the middle ages to pillage a defeated town. However, he forbade his troops to steal from the French people. Bar dolph, his old friend, is executed as an example to "such offenders" (3.6. 7). There is also more than a brute knight inside Henry.

When he meets the French King's daughter, Katherine, after the fall of France he asks for her hand in marriage. Since Henry already defeated the French, he would have received Katherine's hand without a dispute however he felt the need to convince Katherine to love him. When she said, "Dat is as it shall please de roi mon p'ere" (5.2. 248), Henry could have acknowledged that and moved on.

But he did care enough about her feelings that he wanted her acquiescence. This demonstrates the softer side of King Henry. With Shakespeare's genius Henry is portrayed as a multifaceted character. His traits range from fierce combatant to gentle lover and from deeply spiritual to aggressively heroic. As in real life, this King provides many personal aspects. It is the genius of Shakespeare to combine all these extremes into a believable "flesh and blood" person.

Real people have many sides to them. It is this complexity which makes us believe in Henry the man as opposed to Henry the stock hero. Henry V lives in the play and that is what makes it truly great drama.