William Shakespeare is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language. His plays are some of the most widely recognized stories and are read by most students at some point in their school careers. He wrote a variety of plays, from tragedies such as Hamlet, comedies such as A Midsummer Nights Dream and plays based in history such as Henry V. These history plays in particular focus largely on the dramatic exploits of England’s rulers. In particular the play Henry V focuses on the Hundred Years War and the defeat of the French armies at the Battle of Agincourt. This would seem like a largely patriotic and nationalistic play and yet we are presented with scenes which do not share this view. These events jar with the speeches given by Henry speaking of the glory of fighting and dying for your country. (Lane) I propose to study the methods employed by Shakespeare to create this dichotomy and what reaction it creates in the audience. In addition, I would like to study the reasons why he felt this was necessary. What events might be occurring during this time that would lead Shakespeare to write this play in the way he did.

During my research I plan on using several different sources. First will be the play itself as a primary reference. I plan on analyzing the play in some depth. In particular I will focus on the words of King Henry, the character who most advocates the idea that war is a glorious enterprise to be celebrated, and the words of the common soldiers and other characters who see past the “royal rhetoric” to see the reality of war. (Lane) In addition, I will perform research on the history occurring both when this play was written as well as the history behind the events depicted in the play. In order to understand a work such as this one must have a strong grasp of the history occurring both when the play was written as well as the events on which the play is based. We must understand the original events to understand how faithfully they are depicted, as well as where changes may have been made in order create a particular impact on the audience. In addition we must understand the common opinion of the events depicted during Shakespeare’s time to understand how his depiction may have been different from the popular notion of the Hundred Years War. Both of these will help to inform our interpretation of the depiction presented by Shakespeare. Finally, I plan to research alternative perspectives on the events of Henry V. In Robert Lane’s “When Blood is Their Argument”: Class, Character, and Historymaking in Shakespeare’s and Branagh’s H.. he alludes to views of Henry V being viewed not as a criticism of King Henry but as an endorsement of his actions. “…it puts into cinematic practice one contemporary critical perspective on the playwright’s work. Through his [Kenneth Branagh’s] own act of history-making- the re-shaping of Shakespeare’s text-Branagh alleviates the discordance the original play enacts,…” (Lane) These sources will provide an alternative perspective to the one I present in the course of my paper. It is important to look at alternative perspectives in order to provide the most complete picture to the reader.

In this Henry V Shakespeare takes a close look at war and the psychological aspects of war. He does not simply tell a tale of the glorious victory of the British at Agincourt, but he includes scenes with the common soldiers who present their views. These scenes act as a counterpoint to the high minded speeches of Henry and reveal the emotional side of war. In the words of Thomas Derrick in At war, with Shakespeare–student development. “Shakespeare provides motivations, the inner workings of war, and how war has real implications. Shakespeare makes war human. And in a post September 11th world where war seems to be looming, it is important for all individuals in every society to examine personal beliefs, selves, moralities, and most importantly the motivations of others. So Shakespeare’s final lesson becomes open-mindedness.” (Derrick) It is for this reason that this course of inquiry should be followed. In a world where we find our country embroiled in war these lessons become more important then ever. Also, by understanding the methods he employs to convey this message we can come to a greater understanding of his message and through this his relevance to the modern world.

By examining Henry V we can gain an understanding of the psychology occurring during war. Shakespeare’s writing presents all sides of conflict, juxtaposing the glory of war presented by King Henry and the reality of war presented by his soldiers. This play is still relevant in the modern world and as such deserves to be explored in depth.

Bibliography

1. Derrick, Thomas J. “At war, with Shakespeare–student development.” Academic Exchange Quarterly 7.2 (Summer 2003): 44(5). Expanded Academic ASAP. Thomson Gale. CSU Monterey Bay. 06 March 2006 .
2. Lane, Robert. “”When Blood is Their Argument”: Class, Character, and Historymaking in Shakespeare’s and Branagh’s Henry V.” ELH 61(1994): 27-52.