An analysis of one of Henry V's speeches AND the response to it - Essay Example

He calls on them to take this battle and to be part of something that, if they do indeed win, will make them part of something much bigger than their own lives, as a part of history and lore, to live, in a way, beyond their own deaths and to live on in the hearts and minds of their countrymen for eternity. The temporal and moral claims to eternal life are augmented by a skillful play against against the immediately following scene between English soldier Pistol and a French captured soldier. The base and monetary focus of the morally bankrupt Pistol, makes the boasts of the King seem even more grandiose and untenable when weighed against the human condition for greed and avarice.

But, in the end, it is Henry's quest for moral high ground and what the army as a whole was fighting for that outweighs any singular instance of human sin. The author makes an emphatic statement to his Medieval audience by juxtaposing these two scenes against each other: honor in one battle will not save one from an eternity in Hell. But when Henry addresses his men, he does so not as King Henry V, but as Hal-- as one of them. This is remarkable for a medieval King to even address his men in such a way.

He eschews the traditional lines between rank and social status and sees himself not as a king, but as a warrior just like them. He sets the tome of his speech draped in honor and glory, not in any desire for riches or land. He is fighting for the honor of his land and of his people, and despite long odds, is happy to fight with this group of men, this group of "happy few" this "band of brothers." Early in the speech, he spells out how he sees the battle (IV.3.24-29): By Jove, I am not covetous for gold, Nor care I who doth feed upon my cost; It yearns me not if men my garments wear; Such outward things dwell not in my desires; But if it be a sin to covet honor, I am the most offending soul alive.

Neither gold nor the riches of victory and power interest Henry. He is not interested in the rewards of temporal life. What he is fighting for, and he reminds his men what they should be fighting for, is the simple but timeless honor of fighting together as men, as brothers, fighting for the same goal: for the honor of their country and the honor given to them by God of fighting for what is right. The battle, to Henry, will last long beyond their years on this earth (IV.3.56-60): This story shall good men teach his son; And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by, From this day to the ending of the world, But we in it shall be remember'd; We few, we happy few, we band of brothers.

The true gift of such a victory lies in them completing this mission against long odds together, with no division of rank or standing in life-- a very modern interpretation of battle in medieval times. Second, he notes that although all of them will grow old and die, this victory will live in the hearts of Englishmen in generations to come. It is their one chance in their lives to be remembered after their deaths. Henry knows he would likely be remembered as King, but he would rather not be remembered for a station in life he inherited and did nothing to earn, but be remembered for fighting in this battle as a member of a group of men who fought for honor and the concept of fighting for each other and his country.

The irony with such a speech that relies heavily on living on in the memory of the people is evident when