Henry V : contrasting portrayal of french and english

The protagonist is clearly Henry which means that most of the play is focused on this character. The fact that the play is based on the English King shows that the English side is important and that it has patriotic purposes.

The audience first hears about the English King in the Chorus’s speech in the prologue. ‘Harry’ (nickname for Henry) is described as ‘warlike’ which means that he is skilled in military matters. He is also compared to the God of Mars, the Roman God of war. This shows Henry as being very powerful and of high status. This introduction by the chorus is the audiences first impression of Henry and it gives a very strong image if the English side being strong and powerful.

Shakespeare shows Henry is respected by his friends

The blind and bloody soldier with foul hand

Do break the clouds, as did the wives of Jewry

At Herod's bloody-hunting slaughtermen.’ (3.4.33-41)

Henry is saying that he is glad that they make jokes at his expense and thanks the ambassador for the present and the effort it took to deliver it. Henry is being sarcastic.

This makes Henry and the English army seem brutal and inhumane and again would cause the audience to dislike the English, going against the purpose of the play.

Some topics in this essay:
Henry English, Henry Henry, Dauphin Henry, Duke Burgundy's, Henry Dauphin, Harfleur French, Henry England, France Gods, Agincourt French, Canterbury Ely, tennis balls, battle agincourt, english king, audience dislike, audience henry, gift tennis balls, war henry, dislike henry, french throne, king henry, french king, night battle agincourt,