Ideal Ruler In Shakespeare's Henry V

Henry V, the story of an idolised king in England who had defeated most odds was written by the legendary poet and playwright, William Shakespeare. Shakespeare had previously written about Henry V, yet had based it on his reckless and careless youth. In this play however, he portrays the growth of Henry to become the ideal ruler for England; viewing it by speaking of Henry’s plan to invade and rule France. This essay will further discuss Henry’s character in act 1.

Henry V is found to be compared to his old self in Act 1, “the courses of his youth promised it not.” This example was said by a Canterbury, a bishop, who admits his concern for England during Henry’s youth. He, as many others, believed that Henry’s wild acts had convinced them that he would not be a suitable king, viewing Henry as an immature figure, with no ruling technique whatsoever. He however, was proved wrong as Henry’s previous years had been considered to be a valuable lesson to him; “He comes o’er with our wilder days. Not measuring what use we made of them.” Henry sees his past as treasured mistakes, those that helped him see life as an
“Hear him but reason in divinity… you would desire the king were made a prelate.” This example portrays Henry’s knowledge in religion, having to be desired to be seen as a bishop by many people due to the use of his words. His clear speech is further observed as he speaks of Dauphin, “Tell the pleasant prince this mock of his hath turned his balls into gun-stones.” His tone had surprisingly been calm for a person who had just been insulted in front of his people, somehow inciting a rather powerful and scary figure. He sends a threatening message to Dauphin, his use of words had been creative as he changed a matter of humour to a menacing attitude. It is clear that his talent with language is an extraordinary quality that he possess, which happens to be a suitable characteristic for a