How Responsible Is King Henry Irresponsible?

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Henry V looks like the perfect leader; however, despite all the heroic speeches, Henry is still irresponsible at times. In Act I, Henry relies on Bishop of Canterbury to give him the reasons to go to war. He asks, "Why the law Salic that they have in France or should or should not bar us in our claim (19)?" And once more, he asks, "May I with right and conscience make this claim (23)?" Based on these statements, Henry is putting the responsibility of a King to decide to go to war onto a Bishop. This shows that King Henry is irresponsible. Furthermore, in Act III, sc. 3, after Henry has conquered half of Harfleur, he demands the governor to open the gate, or he will not take the blame for his soldiers' doings. King Henry says, "Take pity of

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