King Henry V
(William Shakespeare)
Whilst set against the backdrop of Henry's military campaigns in France during the Hundred Years' War leading ultimately to the battle of Agincourt which took place on the 25th October 1415, this play is a play about people rather than events. We see the King grown into a man through the eyes not only of the English and French nobles but through the eyes of the theives and rascals who were his companions in his youth.Above all the play is about the character of Henry himself - much changed from the youth we were introduced to in previous plays. This is a man shouldered with the ultimate responsibility for leading a nation into war, a timeless theme which never loses relevancy to a modern setting. From the first scene where we see Henry investigating the legal basis for his claim on France we see a King who is acutely aware of the repercussions of the decisions he makes, a theme which is returned to later in the play as the King disguises himself to speak to his men the night before the battle of Agincourt. In this scene not only is the King's responsibility for the lives of his soldiers discussed but whether his carries responsibility for the fate of their souls.In terms of dialogue we not only see the set-piece speeches expected in a Shakespeare play (including the maginificent 'St Crispins Day', and 'Once more to the Breech') but beautifully crafted snapshots into the lives and relationships of those caught up in the events. Particular mention must be made of the scenes involving Katherine, princess of France - a lesson in English by her lady in waiting and the touching yet comical scene where Henry tries to overcome the language barriers in order to woo his newly won bride-to-be.
Resumos Relacionados
- Henry Iv Part Two
- Henry Iv Part One
- A Man For All Seasons
- Henry Iv, Part I
- Macbeth
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