Henry V

Henry V is displayed as an honest and noble character. Shakespeare explores this nature of integrity clearly by displaying the audience with Henry’s innermost thoughts in addition to presenting him with situations, which test his virtue. Shakespeare continually contrasts the Dauphin with Henry and therefore effectively brings to the audience’s attention the admirable characteristics of Henry. Throughout the play Henry puts the needs of his kingdom above his own which proves his patriotism and shows that he possesses the qualities of a good King. This in turn relates to the chain of being because every time he gives an order he refers to God and Henry’s people refer to him. Through the use of literary devices such as soliloquies, juxtapositions, motifs and the strong use of central themes Shakespeare emphasises the integrity of Henry V.

Through characterisation, Shakespeare contrasts the personalities of Henry and the Dauphin in order to draw the audience’s attention to the integrity of Henry V. In the play, the French Dauphin often changes his mind and his attitude is temperamental. In comparison Henry thinks about things before he does them and doesn’t change his mind and instead sticks to his word. This characterisation sees Henry moving in one direction and his kingship is never questioned where as the Dauphin is always the same and by bossing people around his character doesn’t appeal to the audience when contrasted with Henry.
- need to find quotes and/or scenario where this is evident

Henry V portrays the qualities of what make a good king, in his ability to put the needs of his people above his own. As a result of this and evident in the speech he gives at Harfleur, Henry’s patriotism appeals to nationalistic people and nobleman. Henry believes that in times of “peace…a man (should show) modest…humility” but that we should change over nature when the context is different. In times of war, for example, we should “disguise fair nature with hard