Significant issues in Henry V

[Kelsey22]

I am trying to find the two most significant issues Shakespeare asks his audience to wrestle with in henry V. I am suppossed to discuss his refusal to answer any simple questions with easy answers and the issues revlevence in today's world.

Also these three questions.
1. Discuss the role played by the archbishop of canterbury in this play.
2. discuss role of Falstaff in this drama. ( not a trick question)
3. Discuss the realtionship between Henry V and Katherine of France. Is this love or exploitation?

[Kelsey22]

It has been brought to my attention that my posts seem like I am wanting my homework done for me. I just want to let other users know that I am not wanting my homework done for me! I am a home schooled student and I am just trying to get a discussion going on some of the questions I am given to think about and analyzie after each play. I have my own opinion and would just like to hear someone elses opinion and hopefully be able to have a meaningful discussion that allows us all to think about what Shakespeare wanted his audience to learn. I am also looking to enrich my learning experience while studing Shakespeare. So if anyone would like to reply I will post again so we can start a discussion, as you will bounce ideas off eachother.

[Kelsey22]

Ok here are a few of my ideas two significant issues
1. what is a good leader?
2. What qualitites must one possess to become a good leader?
any other suggestions are always appreciated.
I still have'nt really been able to figure out what the role of the archbishop of canterbury is so any suggestions or ideas to get me headed in the correct direction would be great.
Falstaff- you can't really say he is a comedic character in Henry V because he is sick and dies veryt soon in the play. I guess one could say that Falstaff
1. reminded the audience of King Henry's follies of his youth
2. Showed the audience how Henry had to set aside his personal friendships/ affairs and do what was best for his kingdom ( the qualities of a good leader)
Any other ideas would be appreciated as well.
The relationship between Henry and Katherine of France:
seems to me to be both love and exploitation but more of the latter. Henry wants to marry Katherine as to bring peace between France and England. I also feel that he wants her to help get his hands (so to speak) on France's throne eventually. In my opinion it is a classic arranged marriage for the royalty of the time. Katherine doesn't really have a choice as she tells henry that it will be whatever pleases her father and if it pleases him it shall please her. Women of the time wern't "allowed" to have their own opinion. I feel that henry's relationship with Katherine is merely to benefit him more than anything although love is probably a small part of the whole equation.

[kilted exile]

Firstly a good comparison between the Henry V of Shakespeare & that of history can be found here (http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/middle_ages/henry_v_01.shtml)

Dealing with Q3 and the relationship between Henry & Katherine. It depends on whether you answer the question based on shakespeare's text or history.

Shakespeare definitely highlights more of the love & affection, and gives the impression of a perfect hero - strong in battle, but also romantic and affectionate, almost irresistable to women.

It would be hard to support the marriage of political convenience theory if you use solely the play.

[Kelsey22]

You say he makes him seem irresistable to women, yet katherine never lets on she will have anything to do with him until she says in 5.2 " Dat is as it shall please de roi mon pere. (the king my father) In the same scene she goes on and doesn't let him kiss her. He finally gets a kiss after her prior refusal. Couldn't this be showing that Henry isn't what she wants? Couldn't it be consideed political convenience solely because that fact that Henry is "requesting" to marry her in the terms of a peace agreement? The King of France may never agreed to it otherwise.

[rpbusa37]

check your private messages!