Download
1 / 9
90 likes | 192 Views
What is Henry V ? A play – written by William Shakespeare in the 1590s. It explores: The duty of a King War It is about: A conflict between the French and the English. Explain how and why Shakespeare presents the characters .
E N D
What is Henry V?A play – written by William Shakespeare in the 1590s.It explores: The duty of a King WarIt is about: A conflict between the French and the English.
Explain how and why Shakespeare presents the characters ... Use commas, dashes, colons and semi-colons to add accuracy. At the Battle of Harfleur, in Act III, Scene I Shakespeare presents Henry as a brave and fearless leader. The character compares the soldiers to ‘tigers’ and ‘cannons’ – this emphasises the need for strength and action. Perhaps Shakespeare wants to celebrate a famous English hero. Use accurate words to describe HOW the characters are presented. Use words like ‘suggest’ , ‘highlight’, ‘emphasises’ and ‘foreground’ to explain. At the Battle of Harfleur, in Act III, Scene I Shakespeare presents Henry as a brave and fearless leader. The character compares the soldiers to ‘tigers’ and ‘cannons’ – this emphasises the need for strength and action. Perhaps Shakespeare wants to celebrate a famous English hero. Henry uses an intenselyviolent vocabulary, which suggests that Shakespeare wanted to show him as a fierce warrior with a good understanding of soldiers. Kenneth Branagh’s film version foregrounds Henry’s intensity and charisma– which is true to Shakespeare’s use of language.
Explain how and why Shakespeare presents the characters ... • Shakespeare presents Henry as a .... • We can see this when... • This is suggested by...
Describe and explain whyHistory Plays presented Kings the way they did... • Henry V – was written in the 1590s. • It was performed in the Final Years of Elizabeth I’s reign. • History Plays were very important propaganda – whoever controlled the interpretation of the past – controlled the present.
Monarchs – • Were traditionally viewed as DIVINE • rulers (unquestionable). • Elizabeth has always been viewed as • a STRONG ruler – and an • inspirational leader – like Henry V. • Shakespeare my present Henry as • brave and courageous to flatter the • queen
On the other hand ... • The Renaissance (1500 – 1640) was a time • when power was being questioned and • challenged. • Class: • The nobility were being challenged by social • rebellion (e.g. The Peasant’s Revolt 1525) • Government: • There had been questions over who should be • the rightful King / Queen of England for • centuries. • The 1400’s had been a century of bitter civil • war. Shakespeare may want us to see Henry as a violent and uncaring king – who is willing to sacrifice his own men to get what he wants.
Describe and Explain the purposes of the speeches ... • Which of these is Henry trying to do at different points – and how do we know? • Frighten his men • Motivate them • Guilt trip them • Make them feel proud • Appeal to their loyalty • Make them think with their body and heart, rather than their head.
Evaluate the audience’s response to the speeches ... Work out what you think the audience’s response to the character is ... He is a hero Respect We think he is clever We think he is a good king We think that he is a dangerous, violent man We think he is a good speaker We think that he understands his men
Explain how Shakespeare suggests ideas or themes using his language? Highlight the words that you feel are the most important in hinting at what kind of a leader Henry is. Explain how these words create this effect – be as detailed as possible.
