Shakespeare's Portrayal of Henry V as the Model Monarch

Shakespeare's Portrayal of Henry V as the Model Monarch

In this essay I intend to show that Shakespeare portrays Henry as the

Classic Sovereign as he is patriotic, brave, cunning, religious,

natural leader & in touch with the lower class of the country. I will

use quotes and remarks in the play to show this and present it. I

shall firstly do a summery of the play and give a basic image of what

it contains, and then give a detailed analysis, which will give a more

detailed view of particular scenes to show how Shakespeare shows

Henry's character and finally I shall make a conclusion to present my

evidence, to show that Henry is presented as a model monarch.

The play is based around Henry V's later life after he has become

monarch. He is shown in the plays forerunner Henry IV were he is a

young prince he is shown as an insurgent young future king. He Drinks

with a group of lowlifes from the criminal underworld of London and

visits Brothels with them. However he is shown to have fitted into the

role of King perfectly, and the play Henry V shows the most successful

years of his life, in his campaign to gain France.

The Chorus asks the audience to excuse the limitations of the theatre

and to use their imaginations to conjure up the great events, which

are to be presented in the play.

ACT I. The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of Ely are anxious

about a proposed bill, which would transfer a vast deal of the

Church's property to the King. The Archbishop hopes that he may have

averted this by the offer of a sizeable amount of money. We hear that

the Kings disposition has significantly enhanced since he has come to

the thron...

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... military commander and avoids useless loss of

life such as at Harfleur. In matters of state Henry is firm and

decisive. His reply to the Dauphins "tennis balls"insult is angery but

restrained and he listens to the advice of others. He dispences

justice in a fair and impartial manner. The three traitors are

condemned to death because they have threatened the safety of the

kingdom and does not seek personal revenge & also has qualities which

encoiurage us to believe in him as a human being, not just a paragon

of kingly virtues. He has a sense of humour and is awkward and blunt

when speaking to Katherine.

I have done an Introduction, General summery, Detailed analyasis and a

Conclusion and have put forward all my views and fulfilled the

question criteria and have proven that Henry V is portrayed as a model

monarch.