Shakespeare’s play Henry V focuses on the theme of war between England and France because of Henry’s potential claim on the throne of France through his mother’s family. Though because of Salic law which is discussed in act one, it does not allow a male monarch to inherit the throne from his mother’s side. This idea of Salic law is present throughout Henry V, and Shakespeare enhances this idea through the way in which there is little representation of any female characters, demonstrating the lack of influence they seem to have in state affairs. Although Princess Katherine seldom appears in the play, she plays a vital role in the overall outcome for Henry and both France and England. Princess Katherine’s English lesson highlights the theme of war throughout the play by her belief that it is “necessary” for her to learn English; this scene foreshadows her role in bringing peace to both countries through her marriage …show more content…
The English lesson appears during act three scene four, where Alice begins to teach Katherine the English translations of body parts. Shakespeare wrote the entire conversation between the two women in French, and this heightens the contrast between England and France at the time. Shakespeare places the English lesson after King Henry has arrived in France and conquers a city as his citadel while war takes place; this gives some comic relief for the audience and relieves some of the tension from the ongoing war. Shakespeare brings humor to this scene by having Katherine ask for the translation of body parts, and then Alice responds with the English translation but is not grammatically correct. When Katherine asks for the English word for “le coude”, Alice says “D’elbow”(4.3.22-23). Since this was performed in front of an English audience, it would be humorous to hear the mix between English