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This is a plot summary of the drama by Shakespeare, Henry V . Henry V known
as Prince Hal in Shakespeare’s Henry IV part 1 and Henry IV part 2 plays. Has
undergone an amazing transformation since his fathers death, once reckless and well known
for his escapades he his now a wise mature King, known as much for his reckless youth as
for his amazing nobility and strength of character. Henry V desires
to lead England to greatness and have the land and people prosper. In the time of peace
however he his insulted by the Prince of France. In
an effort to take back England’s honor, Henry V vows to conquer France. After carefully considering all his options and
coming up with a brilliant strategy the English set out for France. When they arrive,
France still fails to believe England will make good on their threat of war and so her
defenses are down. Even with that England’s troops are worn, tired and sick from the
long journey not to mention out numbered. Much
deliberation takes place and Henry is offered three chances at accepting bribes in return
for leaving France, Henry however is unrelenting in his decision to fight France. On the eve of the battle Henry dresses up as a
commoner and goes about his camp encouraging his men to rest well and fight hard. The next
morning Henry delivers an inspiring speech to his soldiers telling them to fight for
“ Harry, England and St. George” and to win back England’s honor.
The battle begins and England fights long and hard eventually winning the battle. Though England was out numbered they suffered only minimal casualties as opposed to the great loss of France. Henry has successeded in his first major campaign as King of England and has won back England’s good name. As a result of England victory and the subsequent peace treaty, Henry courts Katherine the Princess of France and asks her to marry him. With the marriage of Katherine to Henry the play ends.
How does Shakespear's portral of courage line up with the Bible? How does all that fit in with Aristotle's ideal of coureage? Click here to find out! Click here to return to navigation |