Contrasting the two different ways of representing history in Henry V Zitian He 11th Grade

In Shakespeare’s history play Henry V, the chorus has the distinct role of promoting loyalty to the ruling class by affirming its doctrines and ideals, such as patriotism and honor. While its romanticized portrayals and propagandistic discourses are affirmed throughout the play, there are also subverted by Shakespeare’s more realist representation of lower-class values and experiences. As a result, the play’s depiction of historical events is inherently dual, reflecting its purpose to both propagandize and entertain.

In the choruses as in the scenes, historical events in Henry V are continually represented with ruling class rhetoric; in this respect, the play is a propaganda promoting allegiance to the monarchy. An heirless queen who had reverted England’s official religion to Protestantism, Elizabeth I’s reign (1558-1603) was turbulent, with her life endangered by many conspiracies; Henry V, published in 1599 during Tyrone's Rebellion — one of the greatest political challenges faced by Elizabeth — had the clear aim of cementing Elizabeth’s power by promoting allegiance to the ruling class, especially through the chorus. In act two, the chorus condemns Cambridge, Scroop and Gray for plotting against the king, “O England…what...