Henry V

ACT ONE

The prologue. The Chorus enters (a lone speaker), wishing that the “wooden O” could portray the “vasty fields of France.” He asks the audience to imagine the great king and battles they are about to witness.

At the English court, the Bishop of Canterbury and Bishop of Ely discuss a proposed bill that would harm the finances and income of the church. In order to secure the church’s financial resources, they decide that it is necessary to support King Henry V’s invasion of France and his claim to the French throne.

The Bishops go before Henry, and Canterbury explains how history and even French law supports the king’s claim to the French throne: “When the man dies, let the inheritance / Descend unto the daughter.” With this reasoning, based on Henry ancestors, he is the rightful king of France. However, a French Ambassador arrives with a gift from the Dauphin (the prince of France): Tennis balls. Henry recognizes the insult, and declares that he will pursue his vengeance on