Henry V

How does Henry V inform an individuals personal view of its meaning and value?

Helpp

Asked by
Last updated by Aslan
Answers 1
Add Yours

I'm not sure what you are asking here. Hopefully I'm interpreting your question correctly. Like many of Shakespeare's history plays, Henry V is interested in exploring the responsibilities, limitations, and nuances of power and leadership. The play calls into question what it means to be a "good" king, portraying Henry as both a ruthless leader (his claim to the French throne is tenuous) and yet an effective one. In many ways, the play suggests that history's best leaders (and England's best kings) have also been self-interested and power-hungry. However, this quality, as embodied by Henry V, does not seem to be mutually exclusive from one's ability to lead.