This dissertation examines how Henry V cannot exist solely as a patriotic representation of the ‘star of England’ (Henry V, Epilogue, 6). Drawing on the theories of Stephen Greenblatt and Jonathon Dollimore, it argues that there is radical ambivalence in the text, in Henry’s character and in the war that he invokes against France. Shakespeare offers the astute reader the opportunity to distinguish between true adherence to idealism and the supposed external adherence to it, in Henry V he exposes the rulers who espouse it and other grand concepts yet still steep themselves in blood. The play’s mode of presentation is therefore used by Shakespeare as a carefully planned strategy, rather than mere historical homage. The play is not simply a reflection of the nationalist fervour which suffused England in 1599, it is a text whereby subversive perceptions of that complex and dangerous new world are voiced but also constrained.
The first chapter examines the veiled challenge to Renaissance authority, seen in the way that Shakespeare recognises Henry’s duplicitous journey from youthful imperfection as the wastrel Prince Hal in Henry IV, Part I and Henry IV, Part II. It suggests that a knowing, dispassionate artificiality was always present in Henry and that this implies Shakespeare’s rebellion against Renaissance ideals. The second chapter looks at Henry V and shows Henry’s transformation, seemingly absolute and fashioned by monarchist pride but, at the same time, it is clear that the covert rebellion against Elizabethan rule offered by Shakespeare challenges orthodoxy. It is shown in the disruptive power of the scenes at Harfleur where the reader is tempted to draw parallels between Henry V and Milton’s Satan in Paradise Lost. The third chapter deals with the ending of the play and Henry’s ‘wooing’ of Katherine, an episode which effectively works to erase the cult of beauty and romance so espoused by Renaissance society. The conclusion suggests that the language of the Henry plays seems to be saturated by diverse, covert political persuasion as well as the drama of war and the beauty of aesthetics. Therefore, Shakespeare’s ideal reader is not one who sees in Henry V the reflection of a historical or political context alone, although, for Shakespeare, it seems that the dramatic poetry of the plays is inseparable from its historical and social conditions. Rather, they are perhaps one who allows himself to remain divided between these two, distinct approaches.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- INTRODUCTION
- 1: TRANSFORMATION
- 2: ACCESSION
- 3: THE AFTERMATH
- CONCLUSION
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This text critically examines Shakespeare's play Henry V, exploring the complex relationship between the play's portrayal of the king and the historical context of the Renaissance. It delves into the ways Shakespeare both celebrates and subverts the ideals of authority and morality prevalent in his time.
- The Ambiguous Portrayal of Henry V: How Shakespeare simultaneously presents Henry as a heroic figure and a complex, flawed individual.
- The Veiled Challenge to Renaissance Authority: The ways in which the play subtly critiques the established norms of power and morality.
- The Interplay of Beauty and Ugliness: The exploration of the contrast between the idealized image of the Renaissance and the realities of violence and conquest.
- The Influence of Historical Context: The impact of the Elizabethan era's political and social landscape on Shakespeare's writing.
- The Strategies of Subversion: How Shakespeare uses literary techniques to convey his critique of authority and tradition.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction sets the stage by discussing critical responses to Henry V, highlighting the play's paradoxical portrayal of the king and its engagement with the themes of sedition and disorder. It introduces the concept of the veiled challenge to Renaissance authority, which is explored throughout the text.
Chapter 1, "Transformation," likely delves into the character development of Henry V, examining his transformation from a youthful prince to a powerful monarch. This chapter might analyze how Shakespeare portrays Henry's growth, his embrace of power, and the ethical dilemmas he faces.
Chapter 2, "Accession," could explore the events surrounding Henry's ascension to the throne, including the political machinations, the challenges he faces, and the strategies he employs to consolidate his power. This chapter might examine the play's portrayal of the dynamics of power and the complexities of leadership.
Chapter 3, "The Aftermath," might focus on the consequences of Henry's reign, particularly the impact of his military campaigns and the social and political changes that result. This chapter could analyze the play's exploration of the costs of war, the moral implications of conquest, and the enduring legacies of power.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key words and focus topics of the text include: Shakespeare, Henry V, Renaissance, authority, morality, subversion, beauty, ugliness, violence, conquest, historical context, Elizabethan era, intertextuality, power, leadership, colonialism, and the play's ambiguous portrayal of Henry V.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Shakespeare portray Henry V beyond a patriotic figure?
The dissertation argues that Henry V is a character of radical ambivalence, showing both heroic qualities and a "knowing, dispassionate artificiality."
What is the "veiled challenge" to Renaissance authority in the play?
Shakespeare subtly critiques established power norms by exposing the duplicity of rulers who espouse grand ideals while engaging in violent conquest.
How does the character Prince Hal evolve into King Henry V?
The text examines his journey from a "wastrel prince" in Henry IV to a king whose transformation is fashioned by monarchist pride but remains morally complex.
What is the significance of the "wooing" of Katherine at the end of the play?
This episode is interpreted as a way to erase the traditional Renaissance cult of beauty and romance, replacing it with political pragmatism.
How does the play relate to the nationalist fervor of 1599 England?
While it reflects the nationalism of the time, it also functions as a text where subversive perceptions of the dangerous new world are voiced and constrained.
- Quote paper
- Sophia Sharpe (Author), 2013, Henry V and the veiled challenge to Renaissance authority, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/319865
