Essay on William Shakespeares Henry V - 1606 Words

William Shakespeares Henry V William Shakespeare is one of the most famous and influential writers of all time. His plays not only portray the past, but also aspects of love and hate, humour and tragedy. Henry V, written by Shakespeare, using Raphael Holinsheds historical chronicles, appealed to many of the citizens of that time, as it presented an insight into their countrys past, as well as feel-good nationalism. It would have been performed on stage at a time when Henry VIII had secluded the country of all contact with the Church of Rome. Providing the audience with its countrys past glories and triumphs, the play counter-acts this feeling of seclusion and loss of identity with†¦show more content†¦Are they correct in their assumption: is Henry a great king, or does William Shakespeare merely include this as a biased opinion to enforce onto the audience, so as to prosper the basis of patriotism already built earlier? The play begins with the chorus prologue to the play. Naturally, Shakespeare provides the chorus with words so descriptive and elegant that the apology for lack of realism is forgotten, as is the stage and theatre, and, instead, the open planes of Agincourt are forcefully seen in ones minds eye. No more are we an audience, but a witness. Shakespeare portrays Henry as a very religious king; whether this is to promote Henry or to express his own opinions as to what principles a King should have, especially whilst Henry VIII was on the thrown at that time, and the Roman Church had been cut off from England, indicating that religion wasnt too high on Henry VIIIs agenda. There is evidence throughout the play that Henry was a religious king, a true lover of the holy church. From Shakespeares view a good king always appreciates his creator and knows that it is God who will guide and look after him, so it would have been important to include as many thanks to God from Henry and his men to prove that they actually showShow MoreRelatedEssay on William Shakespeares Henry V1505 Words   |  7 PagesWilliam Shakespeares Henry V Shakespeares plays can be divided into three distinct categories: histories, romances and comedies. Henry the fifth is a history. Henry V is the last of four plays by William Shakespeare which tells of the rise of the house of Lancaster. It was written in 1599 but is set in 1415, two years after the death of his father and Henry has made a favourable impression on his courtiers and the clergy. He has constantly been encouraged to seizeRead MoreWilliam Shakespeares Henry V Essay1362 Words   |  6 PagesWilliam Shakespeares Henry V Shakespeares, Henry V, was written in the late sixteenth century, this composition will focus upon how Shakespeare portrayed Henry V, using factual knowledge and Shakespeares own interpretation. I will look at the character, language, structure and history of the play. Most Shakespearian, historical, plays were based upon Holinsheads Chronicles, these were mostly true but often Shakespeare adjusted the figures and facts to emphasiseRead More Leadership in William Shakespeares Henry V Essay3276 Words   |  14 PagesLeadership in William Shakespeares Henry V At the time when Henry V was written in 1599, Englandwas in chaos, facing many dilemmas. The country was coming to the end of the Elizabethan era. Queen Elizabeth was in the final years of her reign and she was getting old, which must be taken into consideration. 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