Overview
Synopsis
Under sinister pressure from the Church of England and the Archbishop of Canterbury, the young King Henry the Fifth is lured into claiming much of Medieval France as property of the English Crown. After being insulted by The Dauphin of France, Henry leads a small but brave band of soldiers into a painful and arduous war with France. The war culminates at the Battle of Agincourt where despite being outnumbered five to one, the English forces are rallied by Henry's epic speech and go on to victory. After peace is declared and the treaty is signed, the French king grants Henry the hand of his daughter, Katherine of Volois, in marriage and England and France are united. However, the show ends with the chorus/narrator giving an ominous reminder that the son of Henry and Katherine, Henry VI, will have a tumultuous reign.
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Context
Like many of William Shakespeare’s plays, Henry V is very difficult to date with any certainty. The primary source for many of his history plays, Raphael Holinshed’s Chronicles, was published in 1587. However, there are some references in the play that place it in the late 1590s. However, the play was entered into the Register of the Stationers Company in August 1600, and the first quarto was printed before the end of the year.
The first performances are also a mystery. Famously, the
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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
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Character Portrayals
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Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
An 'alarum' is a stage direction or sound cue, typically indicating a battle, fight, or disturbance offstage. It was frequently used in English Renaissance drama to signal chaos or action without showing it directly.
Arms' is an old-fashioned theatrical term referring to weapons used on stage, such as swords, spears, or shields. These props are often associated with historical or battle scenes in classical or Renaissance plays.
A poetic or dramatic listing of a person's attributes or characteristics, often used to praise or mock.
Relating to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, marked by flourishing English drama and playwrights like Shakespeare and Marlowe.
A stage direction indicating that two or more characters leave the stage.
The iconic London theatre associated with Shakespeare, where many of his plays premiered in the late 1500s and early 1600s.
A dramatic genre that dramatizes historical events, especially English history, as seen in Shakespeare’s plays.
The inheritance system favoring firstborn sons, often dramatized in historical or conflict-driven theatre.
A small book format used to publish early plays, particularly during the Elizabethan era.
To destroy or demolish, often used in dramatic texts to describe ruin or downfall. It adds gravitas to climactic or tragic scenes.
A brief trumpet flourish used in Shakespearean theatre to announce the entrance or exit of important characters.
A speech delivered by a character alone on stage, revealing inner thoughts or emotions to the audience. Common in Shakespearean plays.
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Guide Written By:
Cindi Calhoun
Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress