The study of Henry V by Shakespeare is not only intriguing but also baffling. King Henry is the central character and the defining element in the drama. He exemplifies an ideal heroic leader in cultural and religious contexts. The Battle of Agincourt is an epitome of the play’s reflection of culture and worldview. The drama has a type of language and setting that appeals to the English audience. The King stands out as an experienced decision-maker who takes actions that account for political pragmatism.
The play has a crowd of inspiring speeches carefully created to depict the exultation of the English troop. The England troops are traditionally underdogs, which have worked harder against all odds to attain victory over the powerful French aristocrats. Interestingly, King Henry maintains throughout the play that God is on their side. He is keen to highlight to his subjects that fighting the French was not for his personal benefit. It was an issue of national interest and an honor to protect his country (Shakespeare 82). The Battle Of Agincourt being the most celebrated in the reign of King Henry, the king speaks to his yeomen troops in famed patriotic exultation. “Do not dishonor you mothers; now prove your father actually did beget you…Teach them how to fight wars… yeomen of England cry out, God for Harry! God for England and St. George” (Shakespeare 84).
The play can be very crucial in addressing the attitude of contemporary society especially the American audience. Being faced with the challenge of the war on terrorism, the United States defines war on terror as a defensive measure to protect its lifestyle and its citizens from the attack from enemies who hold alien cultural and religious worldviews. However, sometimes leaders use that excuse to wage wars for their own selfish interests. The Agincourt battle teaches the American audience that the age of chivalry is over (Shakespeare 84). The new era of sovereignty seeks support from within the gentry of the ruler’s realm and not from the aristocracy as previously done. This, therefore, means war is only fought for national reasons and not for personal feuds among nations.
Works Cited
Shakespeare, William. King Henry V. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2002. Print.