A Man Above Kings
In William Shakespeare's Henry V, King Henry is at the height of his reign as he defeats the French in one of the most significant battles in English history. As Henry fights the ongoing battle on French soil, he is subjected to many situations that define him as a man as well as a king. As the play progresses, these demanding situations test his military ability, intelligence, and endurance. In some people's view, such as the Dauphin, Henry is merely a childish and immature leader whose lack of experience as a king make him worthless to the English throne (Shakespeare II.iv.28). Remarks such as these are based upon the fact that Henry is still young, therefore making him an immature leader of England. Although these are strong comments, they are only assumptions made by those who neglect to recognize Henry's true potential as a man as well as a true king. King Henry's charm, military superiority, as well as his ability to be a kindhearted man makes his alleged juvenile behavior relatively insignificant. As the play leads young Henry into war with the French, we see him mature into a charming hero, as well as a compassionate egalitarian. Henry is seen as a great hero for England, while avoiding common proble
Despite the fact that Henry is trying to conquer the French, the sacking of Harfleur is never actually ordered by the King. "Instead the brutality of such a sacking is contained within Henry's imagined projection of it," (Hall 22) thus he uses mercy upon his enemies. Henry's heroic tendencies and charming attitude heighten his image to those who live amongst him, but his military superiority is what heightens his image to those around him. If there is anything that Henry deserves from his portrayal in this play, it is respect. His charm, modesty, and egalitarian attitude enable him to form a strong and trustful connection with those who serve below him. His intimidating presence as a soldier enables him to implant fear into those whom he thinks should fear the English. On one hand, the reader finds Henry being a superior king by defending his England, and those who fight for it. But on the other hand, the reader also finds Henry having a delightful, modest, yet appealing attitude, therefore defining him as a superior man as well. Thus, by the end of the play, what remains for the reader to reflect upon is the presence of a great man as well as a great king. Henry undeniably deserves this recognition from this play. Yet this honorable acknowledgement does not necessarily make Henry the ideal man above all other men. He is undoubtedly a great man and a great king, and deserves respect from all those who have witnessed his actions, yet there is still closure needed upon analyzing his character in the play. Shakespeare seems to have teased the reader in this play. By reading Henry V one may think that the King is Shakespeare's most ideal character, whos
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1120
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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