Henry V Nationalism

Shakespeare’s play, Henry V, provides a strong theme of the idea of nationalism. This emerging nationalism seen in Shakespeare’s writing is in direct correlation with the politics of the time. England was becoming an international power and the production of Henry V showed the portrayal of nationalism as a loyal and glorified version of the monarchy, but it also criticized the inequality among the classes and the disconnect between the common people and their rulers. This play was written and produced to show England as a whole with its citizens and rulers joining together for England’s continued existence, power, and common good. Through Shakespeare’s play you see this idea of nationalism portrayed strongly through the character of Henry V

Then I will look at modern translations of this play and compare how the strong theme of nationalism in the original production translates into productions in modernity.

Since this play by Shakespeare is based off a real historical figure, the history of Henry V and his rule provides essential information that creates the nationalism theme in the play. Henry V rose to power in England after the death of Henry VI in 1413. An important part of Henry’s rule was his making of demands with France. Henry demanded first, for the return of Aquitaine to England in

His second demand was for an English line to succeed the French throne, and his last demand was for the king’s daughter, Catherine’s, hand in marriage (History.com, 2015). When these demands were not all met Henry gathered his army and set off to France in 1415. October 25, 1415, also known as St. Crispin’s Day, Henry’s army defeated French soldiers at Agincourt. The Battle of Agincourt is a battle of turning point for Henry and his army. After making serious advances during the battle against the French, Henry violated the rules of war by ordering the immediate execution of the prisoners he and his army had captured. The victory at Agincourt was pivotal because it won Henry important allies and he gained the nationalism and support from his people when he returned to England with a hero’s welcome. In 1417 Henry attacked France again. After capturing Caen and Normandy and taking Rouen for a 6-month siege, Henry left thousands of expelled residents to starve between the city walls and the English lines by refusing to give aid. In 1420, Charles VI, King of France, sought out peace, and the Treaty of Troyes was put into place and left Henry in control of France and they promise that the English line would succeed to the French throne for the remainder of King Charles VI life. Henry returned one more time to France,