Henry V by W. Shakespeare
Shakespeare's play, Henry V, starts out with the
Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of Ely worrying about a proposed bill
that would confiscate property. They hope Henry would oppose it. The archbishop
tells the king that the clergy will give him a generous contribution if he will
embark upon a campaign to claim the French crown. This is his by descent from
Isabella of France, his great-great-grandmother. Henry tells him he wants to
make sure if his claim is just, so the archbishop looks up the history of the
Salic law, which supposedly bars succession to the French throne through the
female line. He points out that it has often been violated by the French
themselves. He reassures Henry by telling him he can press his claim.
Act II begins with the preparation for the invasion of France. Two
members of the expedition, Corporal Nym and Lieutenant Bardolph meet in London and are joined by
Mistress Quickly and her husband Pistol, who has won her from Nym, thus causing
friction between the two. Bardolph reconciles them and they're called to
Falstaff's bedside. In Southampton, Henry
talks to the Earl of Cambridge, Lord Scroop, and Sir Thomas Grey, who are all
against him and are plotting his death. They don't know that Henry knows this
about them, and advise him not to pardon a poor wretch who has spoken against
him. However, they plead for mercy when he orders their arrest. Stating that
the safety of the kingdom must be protected, he sentences them to death.
Falstaff dies, and Pistol, Nym, and Bardolph leave for Southampton.In King
Charles of France's
palace, Daughin ridicules Henry and the constable tells him not to
underestimate the king. The Duke of Exeter arrives and announces that Charles
must give up his throne to Henry.
Act III begins with Charles offering his daughter Katharine
and several minor dukedoms, which Henry refuses. He goes to France and lays seige on the town of Harfluer. The governor of
Harfluer surrenders. Charles and his court discuss the advance of the English,
which are gaining ground. In an English camp, Fluellen talks to Captain Gower.
Pistol arrives and explains that Bardolph is to be hanged for looting a church.
He asks Fluellen to talk to the Duke of Exeter to help him. Fluellen refuses
and Pistol yells at him. Mountjoy arrives and tells Henry to reconsider the
huge ransom he will have to pay if he gets captured in battle. The king tells
him that he is prepared to ht.
Act IV begins with the English being cheered up by the king,
who then puts on a common cloak and wanders amongst his troops. He goes
unrecognized.Williams tells him that the king will have to answer for the sins
of those who die in battle. Henry responds by telling him that he cannot be
held accountable. They then exchange gloves to wear in their caps so they can
recognize each other at a later date and continue their argument. Alone, Henry
prays, hoping that God will overlook his fathers' sin in taking the crown from
Richard II. Morning comes and the French are very confident. Henry lifts his troops spirits by telling
them that they will be full of pride by one day showing their scars and telling
how they won this battle. The English do win the battle, and Mountjoy asks
Henry to allow the French to bury their dead, conceding that the English have
indeed won. After seeing Williams wearing the glove, Henry gives his soliders
gage to Fluellen and tells his that any man who challenges it is an enemy of
his. Williams hits Fluellen, who orders his arrest. The king frees him and
gives him a glove filled with money.
Act V begins with Henry going home, and then shortly
returning to France
to conclude a peace treaty. Fluellen sees Pistol and they argue. In an
interview between Henry and Charles, the Duke of Burgandy wishes for peace. At
the same time, Henry woos Katharine and kisses her, despite her protests that
it is a breach of French custom. Under the peace terms, Charles gives Katharine
to Henry and declares him heir of the French throne.
