Henry 5 Flashcards
1
Q
The Life of King Henry the Fifth (General info)
A
- final play in second tetrology
- Ninth history play
- Same sources as H4 (The Famous Victories of Henry the Fifth)
- Hal reformation complete by the time of this play
2
Q
Henry 5 Story Context
A
- Play full of reminders of Hal’s past
- Hal trying to break from it (Falstaff, kind of coldy)
3
Q
Language in Henry 5
A
- most linguistically diverse play of Shakespeare (accents, other “British languages) and entire French scene
- Macmorris (Irish)
- Jamy (Scott)
-Fluellen (Welsh) - Indicate internal divide of Britain
4
Q
French in Henry 5 (English Court)
A
- Been offical language of English Court since Normal Conquest in 1066 (William of Normandy)
- Henry 5 first king to promote English in court
- reversal of the conquest, political/ military (taking over France) and linguistic (French have to learn English
5
Q
Turning Point for English Force
A
- Battle of Agincourt (Act 4), after St. Crispin Day speech
- use of powerful language to unify the nation under a common cause
6
Q
Katherine and Marriage
A
- Offered as a truce (political reasoning)
- Claims to both lands will be passed down to their children
- Katherine little choice (still woo’d at end of play)
7
Q
Henry Harfleur Speech
A
- Act 3.1/3.3
- Threats of sexual violence against the citizens of Harfleur. contrast to St. Crispin Day speech
8
Q
Henry 5 Chorus
A
- One of few plays to have it (R and J, spoofed MND)
- moment of metatheatre, asking for imagination and engagement from the audience
- questions about representing the past
9
Q
Wartime Play
A
- was a wartime play
- Quelling rebellion of Ireland
- At war with Spain
- Boost for English morale
10
Q
Historical parallels?
A
- Adapted to film in 20th C by Olivier, England was at war and play meant to raise spirits
- Kenneth Branagh was more critical of war
- more recently adapted for cultural pride
