How Shakespeare Portrays the Character of the King in William Shakespeare's Henry V

How Shakespeare Portrays the Character of the King in William Shakespeare's Henry V

By writing this play, Shakespeare was hoping to inspire the people of

England because at that time there was a possible threat of war from

Spain or Ireland. He was trying to create the feeling of patriotism so

writing about Henry was a good idea because he was the epitome of a

brave, courageous king. He was able to inspire his men to great

victories such as the Battle of Agincourt, where the English won

against the odds. Many of the English were tired, fatigued before the

battle and they were up against the best French knights. This play was

made into a film during the Second World War to inspire the British

against the Nazis. You could say it was propaganda because it was

trying to promote the governments view.

In the prologue it's basically apologising because it is not possible

to produce the atmosphere of the great battles in the play. So the

audience is asked to be imaginative in order to behold the events of

the play, transferred from a vast battlefield to the theatre. The

chorus sets the scene for the rest of the story.

The prologue is also written to glorify King Henry. It suggests that

he is powerful and successful by saying 'Then should the warlike

Harry, like himself, assume the port of Mars'. This alerts us to some

of the play's most powerful war themes. Harry (or Henry) is likened to

the Roman god of War, Mars. This immediately paints a picture of a

great warrior in our mind and suggests that he is God-like.

Henry is said to have total control over what he does and brings.

'(Leashed in, like hounds) should famine, sword and fire...

... middle of paper ...

...g at Henry's

attempt at war. He is a good politician because he shifts the blame.

He again says that God is on his side and that he is a good Christian

king. The reason for the war is a 'hallowed cause'. It is not personal

revenge but punishment from God because of the Dauphin's evil deeds.

This is a declaration of war.

As soon as the ambassador is escorted out Henry orders the

preparations for the coming war to begin. The play ends positively by

showing that he is determined to gain his land.

Henry's character heroism, that he is a good Christian, he is

eloquent, he is inspirational and rational. His weaknesses are that he

is subjected to flattery, his vanity, and his personal pride. The

character of Henry could be different because it depends on whether

the actor can portray these qualities of Henry's or not.