Henry V By William Hazlitt Themes
Henry V
Themes
* Power:
How do you secure power? How do you keep it? “Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown”. * Language:
How language is used in art and life, and how language is used to manipulate people, and create truth in the minds of the listeners. How is language used to position people? * Creation of iconic figures
What makes a hero? * Leadership:
Does a man need to be a great man to be a great leader? Is what is good for the leader as an individual good for the nation?
“The hidden motives that actuate princes and their advisors.”
“Romantic, heroic and patriotic delight.” - William Hazlitt
Hazlitt claims that Henry V does reveal the hidden motives of men in power and people who advise them. The play …show more content…
He also suggests that the current king inherited through the female line. Canterbury says that the French king is fundamentally dishonest and has essentially stolen the throne from Henry’s ancestors. The implication is that the French laws that are being applied to Henry are not being applied to themselves.
The problem is that Henry’s claim to his own throne is also dubious. His own father usurped the throne.
Canterbury goes on the mention Henry’s great ancestors and urges him to follow in their footsteps. The rhetoric that the archbishop uses does make us feel uneasy, because of his violent images of a “bloody flag” and “forage in the blood.” Canterbury urges Henry to show his strength, and suggests that he could be even greater than the black prince because he is in the prime of his youth. “Live up to your ancestors, and write new chapters in England’s tale.”
The archbishop’s speech is actually very important and very convincing, even though it is so lengthy and complicated. He also compliments Henry once again. “The strawberry grows…. baser qualities.” Strawberries could flourish under such base plants – Canterbury compliments the way the king has changed, and become a moral man. Henry was able to cast off the old bad
Themes
* Power:
How do you secure power? How do you keep it? “Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown”. * Language:
How language is used in art and life, and how language is used to manipulate people, and create truth in the minds of the listeners. How is language used to position people? * Creation of iconic figures
What makes a hero? * Leadership:
Does a man need to be a great man to be a great leader? Is what is good for the leader as an individual good for the nation?
“The hidden motives that actuate princes and their advisors.”
“Romantic, heroic and patriotic delight.” - William Hazlitt
Hazlitt claims that Henry V does reveal the hidden motives of men in power and people who advise them. The play …show more content…
He also suggests that the current king inherited through the female line. Canterbury says that the French king is fundamentally dishonest and has essentially stolen the throne from Henry’s ancestors. The implication is that the French laws that are being applied to Henry are not being applied to themselves.
The problem is that Henry’s claim to his own throne is also dubious. His own father usurped the throne.
Canterbury goes on the mention Henry’s great ancestors and urges him to follow in their footsteps. The rhetoric that the archbishop uses does make us feel uneasy, because of his violent images of a “bloody flag” and “forage in the blood.” Canterbury urges Henry to show his strength, and suggests that he could be even greater than the black prince because he is in the prime of his youth. “Live up to your ancestors, and write new chapters in England’s tale.”
The archbishop’s speech is actually very important and very convincing, even though it is so lengthy and complicated. He also compliments Henry once again. “The strawberry grows…. baser qualities.” Strawberries could flourish under such base plants – Canterbury compliments the way the king has changed, and become a moral man. Henry was able to cast off the old bad