John Armellino

ERH 422W 01

COL Miller

October 3, 2016

Short Paper on Henry V

One of Henry’s most famous speeches in the play “Once more unto the breach…” (III. i) is used to motivate his men, to move them literally and figuratively. The speech takes place in the middle of a desperate struggle between the English aggressors (led by Henry V himself) and the French defenders. The Battle for Harfleur has become a bloody struggle for a “breach” (gap) in the walls of the city. The English have made the breach but the French are eagerly defending it. Henry’s men are tired, but he encourages them to keep fighting, to keep trying one more time. Rather than acknowledge the inherent shittiness of their situation, Henry focuses on the ideas of courage and pride while giving the men no choice but to complete their mission.

Henry does give them one alternative to taking the town, and that is “closing the wall up with our English dead!” (III. i.) He challenges their manhood and pride, lest they “dishonor” their mothers. The men are tired and bloodied. It must be extremely easy to give up in a situation like that. But, Henry appeals to the men’s sense of duty and courage He exclaims that they “were made in England.” (III. i.) The men are not without a sense of patriotism and loyalty to their leader who has led them this far. By giving the men no choice but to move forward, die, or live in shame, Henry has secured their enthusiastic loyalty to the cause.

The language seen in this speech is grandiose and somewhat pandering. The men are only there to fight for one man’s throne but Henry makes it about them, and their courage. Henry appeals to the men’s pride and masculinity, making them forget about the negatives of their experience.