Henry V is the picture-perfect English king. He is an accurate example of the people of England. He sees his own iniquities and merits and those of his masses. His childish antics seen in the previous play have taught him a profound understanding of the human nature of his followers, making him wise beyond his age. His friendship with Falstaff (or Hal’s friendship I should say) and his time with the commoners allowed him to mature. When he goes out amongst the soldiers before battle, he practices what he has learned. He shows the nature of a good leader. He cares for his followers and wants the best for them. He considers their insight valuable and wants to be amongst them.
When introduced by the archbishop of Canterbury’s in act 1, scene 1, we see Henry V as a well-rounded king. The archbishop says that he can“reason in divinity,” “debate of commonwealth affairs,” “discourse of war” or of music, and “unloose the Gordian knot of policy . . . in sweet and honeyed sentences.” Henry V is confident in his authority, control, and capability. Proud of his country and followers, he attributes his successes to God’s leadership.
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He achieves his heroic standing when he encourages his men to win the battle of Agincourt, despite the odds against them. His speech is inspiring, “For he to-day that sheds his blood with me, Shall be my brother; be he ne’er so vile, This day shall gentle his condition; And gentlemen in England now-a-bed, Shall think themselves accurs’d they were not here, And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks, That fought with us upon Saint Crispin’s day.” Thanks to Henry’s leadership, the English fight as an organized “band of brothers,” “warriors for the working-day” ready for God to “dispose the day.” He leads them to victory. He is a valiant soldier and a victorious