Is Henry V a Patriotic Play?
Shakespeare is renowned for writing historical plays about an assortment of England’s monarchs. Invariably, these plays focus on a key aspect of the monarch’s reign – invariably, this is a war. In Henry V, the play tells the story of events that happen before and after the Battle of Agincourt. For many, wars represent a sense of patriotism – a pride in his’ country. In Henry V, it is fair to assume that the majority of audiences would have reacted proudly to the play. Arguably, the most important aspect of this play is its patriotic view of the battle as demonstrated through the countless noble speeches and soliloquys. The story is told, largely, from the perspective of Henry V, himself, and as such, we are presented with a very bold and British man who wants the best for his country. In today’s world, patriotism is something which can often be misconstrued for nationalism – an excessive amount of pride, however, in the less politically correct time of which Shakespeare penned this play, that pride would have been something felt acutely by all members of society. The purpose of this essay is to explore the patriotism on show in Henry V and to discuss its impact on the play, as a whole.
Perhaps the first sign that the play is focused on English patriotism is the discussion of the Scottish, with whom England have a long-standing rivalry which, in the past, was very bloodthirsty. In Act 1, scene 2, Henry V comments on the ‘Scottish problem’ with an assortment of senior members of court: “We must not only arm t’invade the French but lay down our proportions to defend against the Scot, who will make road upon us with all advantages.” (1.2: 136-139). One of the major causes of the Hundred Year’s War (which the Battle of Agincourt was a part of), was the French supplying support to the Scottish army and so, it is with pride and forethought that we see the English preparing for a potential attack from the Scottish too, whilst the defences are low. This is noted, shortly afterwards, in the same scene, when the Bishop of Ely says “But there’s a saying very old and true: ‘If that you will France win, then with Scotland first begin’ For once the eagle England being in pray, To her unguarded nest the weasel Scot comes sneaking, and so sucks her princely eggs.” (1.2: 166-171). This quote likens England to an eagle and the Scottish (and by default, the French too) as weasels – two animals which have strong associated imagery: the eagle being brave and soaring high, and the weasel with the negative imagery of being a thief and untrustworthy. This is patriotism of the highest order as it actively seeks to belittle the enemy whilst bolstering England’s unbridled glory and pride. The discussion here also clearly points to the recognised need to protect England for fear of the sneaky Scottish who may try to abuse the situation whilst England is focused on the war with France.
The most flagrant patriotism is seen through the behaviour of the cast: everyone, whether they are noblemen or commoners, supports the war with France and Henry’s decision to continue fighting: in Act 2, scene 1, the audience are presented with the discussion between two commoners: Bardolph and Nym, who are preparing to depart for war. Both men support the war with France and Bardolph claims that he “will bestow a breakfast to make you friends; and we'll be all three sworn brothers to France: let it be so, good Corporal Nym.” (2.1: 518-520). In this scene, we see the two men discuss Nym’s quarrel with another soldier, Pistol. Bardolph seeks a resolution to their disagreement so that the three men can go to fight in France together. Beyond the obvious desire to reunite his friends, Bardolph expresses a wish that they are all together for ‘the cause’ and banded together like ‘brothers’ because presumably, then, he feels they will fight better for their country and be able to support one another too. The three friends are symbolic of the whole of England which unified for the war against France – it is this patriotism which makes England a force to be reckoned with because the bonds that are help between men and the love of their country makes the men seem like a bigger force than they actually are. It is the strength of character portrayed through the characters which are all demonstrative of the country-wide patriotism.
The character of Henry is a particularly patriotic one throughout the play. Whether he was as devoted to England in real life, as he is in the play, is not fully known although his attitude can’t have been massively different as the play is based on historical events. A particularly poignant scene in Act 4, scene 1 sees Henry disguised as a commoner; Henry discusses how much pressure the king must feel and says “And but for ceremony such a wretch, Winding up days with toil and nights with sleep, Had the forehand and vantage of a king. The slave, a member of the country’s peace, Enjoys it, but in gross brain little wots What watch the King keeps to maintain the peace, Whose hours the peasant best advantages.” (4.1: 242-266). These lines see Henry discuss the responsibility he feels to his country. He is not complaining, but rather seizing the opportunity to discuss the pressure he feels to support his country and to maintain its peace effectively. He refers to himself as being ‘slave’ and presents this, not as a negative concept, but as being a slave to his country – so tireless is devotion and love for England that he has resigned himself to having only her best interests in his love – seemingly, even prioritising the country’s needs above his own. This devotion is patriotism in its purest form: Henry sees himself as embodying England and it being his divine right to protect her. This is proven consistently throughout the play, but in particular, in Act 4, scene 3Henry says: “If we are marked to die, we are enough To do our country loss; and if to live, The fewer men, the greater share of honour.” (4.3: 20-22). This impressive gesture implies that whether they win or lose, they share in the honour of fighting for their country. It even seems to go so far as to suggest that their patriotism will exist even in death; they won’t be forgotten and nor will their bravery, which reflects England so completely.
It would be remise to not discuss the play’s most infamous soliloquy when analysing its patriotism. The play is speech-heavy and the majority of them incite action against the French, in support of protecting the wonderful England. Henry’s speech in Act 3, scene 1, is the most famous of these speeches and, arguably, one of Shakespeare’s most quoted and bastardised speeches overall. It is directly before the battle at Harfleur and Henry is riling up his troops, ready for action. Act 3, scene 1 opens when Henry declares “Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more; Or close the wall up with our English dead. In peace there's nothing so becomes a man As modest stillness and humility: But when the blast of war blows in our ears, Then imitate the action of the tiger; Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood, Disguise fair nature with hard-favour'd rage;” (3.1: 1-6). This quote is arguably the most patriotic instance throughout the entire play: it readies the troops and inspires them to fight like tigers for the sake of their country. Henry asks his men to consider their death as not a failure but instead, as a continued part of the effort in the defence of England. It is a powerful speech which creates a heady mix of patriotism and incitement of violence and demonstrates the powerful English patriotism in force.
Henry V is a patriotic play; it represents the power of the tiny country of England when facing the might of the bigger France and it demonstrates the strength of Henry as a king, as well as the tenacity of the English troops. Consistently, throughout the play, the audience is treated to example after example of the English spirit and patriotism – so determined were they in their on-going battle against France. However, to a modern audience, the play can come across as being overtly nationalistic which can have negative connotations, but equally, whilst we do not remember the Hundred Years’ War with pride today, it is important to remember the context in which the play was written. Shakespeare’s audience would have felt the pride of their patriotism acutely, much like a modern audience would do today when considering the country’s football team’s effort.
References
Shakespeare, William. Henry V. Hertfordshire: Wordsworth Classics, 2000. Print.
Alonso, Jorge Luis Bueno. History, Patriotism and Religion in William Shakespeare’s Henry V. 1998. PDF File.
