Comparison Of King Henry V: Spiritual Or Scheming

1149 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Henry the IV part I and honor

Spiritual or Scheming? Henry V’s Use of Relationships Throughout Henry V, Shakespeare explores the relationships of King Henry of England. When considering his character, Henry’s relationships are called into question: is he using his associates for his personal gain or is he truly devout in his acclaim to God? The differing interactions with his people, his enemies, and the clergy reflect on his genuine motives. The strong comparison of his pious and conniving actions are evident while conversing with all his acquaintances. King Henry’s relationships bring to light the contrast between his piety and his utilitarian rule. Henry’s relationship with the Bishops and his soldiers uncover a contrast between his piety and utilitarian rule. When …show more content…

During his reign and his invasion, Henry encounters both the Prince and Princess of France. He knows how to talk to each of them individually, and makes sure that God is only mentioned when a lasting promise is made. When the Dauphin sends Henry the gift of tennis balls, Henry responds with, That shall have cause to the Dauphin’s scorn. But this lies all within the will of God… And tell the Dauphin/ his jest will savor but of shallow wit When thousands weep more then did laugh at it. (I.ii.301-302, 307-309) This strong response by Henry reflects his piety, because even though it is not the cordial response, Henry knows that it is God’s will for him to rule France. In it being Gods will, anything that Henry does in this war, he regards as pious. Henry bringing his piety into the feud with the Dauphin gives an example of how serious he is about the disagreement in their relationship. After Henry wins the war, he talks to the French Princess, Katherine, about if she would be happy supposing that they were married. Although he was already getting her hand in the treaty, Henry wanted to make sure that they would love each other and be true throughout their entire marriage. He woos her by

Show More
Related

  • King Henry Iv Part 1

    1098 Words  | 3 Pages

    Shakespeare’s ‘King Henry IV Part I’ centres on a core theme of the conflict between order and disorder. Such conflict is brought to light by the use of many vehicles, including Hal’s inner conflict, the country’s political and social conflict, the conflict between the court world and the tavern world, and the conflicting moral values of characters from each of these worlds. This juxtaposition of certain values exists on many levels, and so is both a strikingly present and an underlying theme throughout the play. Through characterization Shakespeare explores moral conflict, and passage three is a prime example of Falstaff’s enduring moral disorder. By this stage in the play Hal has ‘reformed’, moved away from his former mentor Falstaff and become a good and honourable prince.

    Read More

  • King Henry VIII: The Unlikely Reformer

    856 Words  | 2 Pages

    After many failed attempts to obtain a divorce from his first wife Catherine of Aragon, King Henry VIII took momentous steps that led to "The Reformation," a significant occurrence in the history of religion. Prior to the reformation, all of England's inhabitants including King Henry VIII prescribed to Catholicism. In fact, King Henry VIII was such a strong supporter that he was given the title "Defender of the Faith" by the pope for his efforts in protecting Catholicism against the Protestants. However, all these changed upon the pope's denial of Henry's request for a divorce.

    Read More

  • Rhetorical Analysis Of Patrick Henry

    442 Words  | 1 Pages

    The first appeal that Henry uses in his speech is ethos which appeals to ethics. Evidence from the text is, “fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country” (lines 13-14). This shoes that God has credibility. It also shows that you need to respect God over Britain. The next piece of evidence that I found in the speech is whenever the text said, “…and of an act of disloyalty towards the majesty of heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings” (lines 16-17). This is saying that you should respect God above man. That is two ways how Henry used the ethical appeal, ethos.

    Read More

  • Justifying The Mirror of All Christian Kings

    792 Words  | 2 Pages

    When we look at Henry as a king we have to look in the context of

    Read More

  • Henry Vi's Weaknesses

    473 Words  | 1 Pages

    However, he didn't listen to the duke of york who desperately wanted a say. This could have been another reason for the outbreak of conflict because the people didn't think he always made the right decision and the duke of York didn't like not being listened to. Another problem was with patronage, as Henry was overgenerous, but only to some people, he would give lots of patronage to Somerset and Suffolk but none to York. This was even worse because he had borrowed from York and instead if paying him back, gave patronage to others. He gave away more and more money and land so that there wasn't much left for important times like war and to make people happy or come onto his side.

    Read More

  • Henry V Christian King Essay

    526 Words  | 2 Pages

    When the English were facing great defeat in the Battle of Agincourt, Henry tells him mean that it is up to God’s will. This is a great act of faith and trust in God and it emphasizes his noble Christian qualities. Also Henry displays mercy when he gave those who “Hath no stomach to fight” the option to leave. He did not force them to fight in the battle of Agincourt he trusted in God because all his men left him. This is the Kind of wisdom that we often see displayed by kings in the

    Read More

  • Henry V, An Ideal Machiavellian Ruler

    1041 Words  | 3 Pages

    For hundreds of years, those who have read Henry V, or have seen the play performed, have admired Henry V's skills and decisions as a leader. Some assert that Henry V should be glorified and seen as an "ideal Christian king". Rejecting that idea completely, I would like to argue that Henry V should not be seen as the "ideal Christian king", but rather as a classic example of a Machiavellian ruler. If looking at the play superficially, Henry V may seem to be a religious, moral, and merciful ruler; however it was Niccolo Machiavelli himself that stated in his book, The Prince, that a ruler must "appear all mercy, all faith, all honesty, all humanity, [and] all religion" in order to keep control over his subjects (70). In the second act of the play, Henry V very convincingly acts as if he has no clue as to what the conspirators are planning behind his back, only to seconds later reveal he knew about their treacherous plans all along. If he can act as though he knows nothing of the conspirators' plans, what is to say that he acting elsewhere in the play, and only appearing to be a certain way? By delving deeper into the characteristics and behaviors of Henry V, I hope to reveal him to be a true Machiavellian ruler, rather than an "ideal king".

    Read More

  • Persuasive Techniques Used by Henry in Act Four Scene Three in Shakespeare's Henry V

    642 Words  | 2 Pages

    One of the key words in his dialogue is 'honour' because in Elizabethan times honour was bound up with ideas of nobility and manliness. Henry has constant reference to the divine, to get permission for his actions, 'God's will.' Additionally there is various uses of semantic fields, associated with religion, God, covet, honour and sin; all taken from the bible. Henry applies a very close relationship term, 'cuz.'

    Read More

  • Henry in Henry V

    509 Words  | 2 Pages

    Henry in Henry V The bishops refer to Henry in the first scene as "a sudden scholar" who can "reason in divinity. " Canterbury says, "The king is full of grace, and fair regard. Ely quotes "and a true lover of the holy church. The two bishops, pretty much have the same view on Henry, they think highly of him.

    Read More

  • Qualities and Weaknesses of Shakespeare's Henry V as a King

    740 Words  | 2 Pages

    Henry V is not a simple one as it has many aspects. By looking into

    Read More

  • Henry V Henry V Comparison

    2706 Words  | 6 Pages

    Henry V has always been one of William Shakespeare’s more popular plays, in part because of the different ways that the main character can be presented. The play is essentially a treatise on what it means to be a great leader, yet the definition of just what that entails changes over time. The way the play is presented and how Henry is characterized and portrayed has also changed over time. Nowhere are these changes more visibly present than in the three best known adaptations of the play, Laurence Olivier’s 1944 film Henry V, Kenneth Branagh’s 1989 film Henry V, and the 2012 version of Henry V that was featured as the final part of the BBC miniseries known as The Hollow Crown, with the Henry V episode being directed by theatre director Thea Sharrock. While each version tells the same story and does not detract too much from the original text, there are nevertheless enough differences in the way the play is presented and how Henry is portrayed that it is easy enough to see that each adaptation is a product of its time.

    Read More

  • The Appalling Leadership of King Henry V

    1259 Words  | 3 Pages

    In Henry V, the actions of King Henry portray him as an appalling leader. Among Henry's many negative traits, he allows himself to be influenced by people who have anterior motives. This is problematic because the decisions might not be the best decisions for the country, or neighboring countries. The bishops convinced Henry to take over France because they would be able to save land for the Church. Henry doesn't have the ability to accept responsibility for his actions, placing the blame on others. Before Henry begins to take over a French village, he tells the governor to surrender or risk having English troops terrorize civilians. This way, if the governor declines, it would be the governor's fault for the atrocities that would occur. Henry has gotten his troops to go along with the take over by manipulating them. He tells the soldiers that what they're doing is noble, and that they should be proud. In fact, they're attacking another country in order to conquer it. Henry's character comes off as coldhearted and careless. Henry shows ruthlessness towards civilians, threatening them with atrocities. He's careless with his soldiers, thoughtlessly allowing their executions, or playing hurtful games with them.

    Read More

  • Henry IV, Part 1, by Shakespeare

    1108 Words  | 3 Pages

    ...der to maintain success. King Henry showed that he is restricted to one language which resulted him to not gain the lower class power and it then lead him to focus on his political status. On the other hand, Hal presented himself to the viewers as a friendly character, yet he sustained to manipulate and lie to others to achieve his goals. Henry IV n, Part 1 presents the idea of political power and the different characteristics leaders follow. The lesson for audiences, then, is to develop relationships with different people who will expand one’s area of inspiration and the ability to advance success. One can learn from the mistakes of King Henry and remember to be visible and properly positioned, so society can see one’s strengths and talents.

    Read More

  • Sex, Masculine Pride, and War in Henry V

    2419 Words  | 5 Pages

    Henry V, though reputed to be a crude, early item from Shakespeare's canon, provides many interesting and mature discussions on morality and psychology. Far from being, as it were, pre-written by being an "historical" work, it is a testament to the bard's skill that he can work so many ideas into a frame that has to take account of popular facts.

    Read More

  • King Henry V A War Criminal

    901 Words  | 2 Pages

    He begins to talk about his doubts and fears to the Dukes of Gloucester and Bedford. After talking to them, he disguises himself and goes for a walk around his men's campus. He meets his old friend pistol, who does not recognise him and they begin talking. Henry does this to find out how his men truly feel about him and all the fighting. He is put in a very difficult situation further in the scene as he meets some men who don't think to highly of him and even mock him. He is forced to hear their opinions of him and does not punish the men for their hatred or disrespect. This is very noble of him and truly shows how much of a great leader he really was. He has spoken to some men who don't like him and who have insulted him yet he did nothing about it. He just listened and defended 'The King' where he could perfectly exemplifying him as a great

    Read More

More about Comparison Of King Henry V: Spiritual Or Scheming

Open Document