Henry V - Benevolent King Or Scheming Politician?

13 Pages 3298 Words

gift. He is ready for war after an unappreciated gift of tennis balls from the Dauphin, Henry states that whatever happens is because “the will of God” destined it. The gift offends him, and could imply the French think he is still a boy and should be playing games rather than trying to conquer lands. As the church had an influence, the speakers of God, then he must be fighting with God on his side. God will protect his “just” cause.
As the young, recently crowned King of England, Henry sets out to prove himself by seizing his alleged birthright in France. According to traditional thinking, King Henry is the brave and majestic hero of the play. He speaks beautifully and never backs down from a fight. However, his aggression and slightly muddled value system draw significant amounts of criticism. The incident of Bardolph stealing from the French town raises certain points as to that value system; on the one hand he is punishing a soldier for stealing something when they have been told not to, but on the other he is punishing his friend. The punishment for looting is hanging as decreed by the King. Everyone is aware of the rules and Bardolph attempts to use his friendship with the King to gain him special rights. A corrupt King may want to keep his friends close despite the crimes they commit, but Hal cannot accept any kind of illegality in his quest to gain the throne of France. From the previous part of the story of Henry, “Henry IV part 1”, Prince Hal seems to have turned from his wild youth to being the responsible king. Did he plan to be a misfit youth, so that when his true character emerged he would be more revered? Does this make him a hypocrite, or is he just planning for his future? This is also evident in Henry V, as he somewhat turns his back on his drinking and womanising pals as he tried to escape being “guilty by association” and display the behaviour typical of a King of England. He allows the hanging of ...