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Brotherhood In King Henry

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Brotherhood In King Henry
The “Band of Brothers” speech from Henry V by William Shakespeare was given to boost the morale of England's pathetic army. In doing so, King Henry instilled feelings of honor, faith, and equality in an effort to invoke the emotions of brotherhood and pride. King Henry invoked the emotions of brotherhood and pride by recognizing the army's typical state of mind. King Henry recognized that his pathetic army felt as though they were underprivileged people that were sent to fight in a war that they had no chance of winning. They ultimately felt as though they were going to die fighting in a war that should not have even been happening unless they were properly equipped with a solid amount of soldiers. King Henry directed the feelings of brotherhood …show more content…
Honor was invoked by the king in an effort to make the soldiers feel as though they were of great importance to each other and England, hence instilling a sense of brotherhood. “The fewer men, the greater share of honour.” (Shakespeare 1) and “This story shall the good man teach his son;” (Shakespeare 2) were mentioned to show that the brotherhood that these men share will never dwindle and will carry on through generations to come hence making their families proud. Additionally, the feeling of faith was felt by the soldiers. Being that England was predominantly Christian, Henry V utilized diction that illustrated a sermon “God's will! I pray thee...” (Shakespeare 1) and “Rather proclaim it...” (Shakespeare 2). By appealing to common beliefs, the men were able to heighten their sense of brotherhood and take pride in fighting with God fearing men on their sides. By King Henry exposing his identity, he showed that there was no opposing social hierarchy “I am the most offending sould alive.” (Shakespeare 1) and “For he to-day that sheds his blood with me/ Shall be my brother...” (Shakespeare 2). Being that the king was fighting side-by-side his soldiers, the men were under the impression that they were all equal, hence, a stronger sense of brotherhood and pride in themselves and their country were

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