Mr. Murphy wrote his reflective essay on Lawrence Dawson’s criticism of Henry V. My favorite part of his reflection was his complete focus on the importance of the chorus in Shakespeare plays. Like Mr. Murphy says, there wasn’t really a rule about how to write plays so it was solely based on the author to sort of formulate where and how he wanted the scenes to play out.
Mr. Harris wrote his reflection on Rabbits Ducks and Henry V by Norman Rabkin. The article’s follows Henry V himself as he progresses throughout the play. I was really intrigued by the analysis of Henry V’s character as a whole. As King, he already has a sovereignty which he must uphold at all times, but like Mr. Harris noted, there is always room for improvement and Mr. Rabkin hits the nail on the spot when he compares and contrast Henry V’s character to being both a rabbit and a duck.
Having read these two articles and having read the play, I think that the play suggest that early modern English views of Henry V was very high. I think, as a king of his era, he was great king and embodied what it truly means to be king. He had just enough “flaws” so to say to be able to relate to any member of his kingdom but he also had enough “kingship” in him to be viewed as the true sovereign.
One of the scenes in the play that provide the most interesting insights into he views of kings during this time was when he confronted Cambridge, Scroop, and Grey about their backstabbing actions. I really enjoyed the build up to the climatic moment. Henry V, as a king, knows that even though he is in a position of such high authority, he must still have justifications for his actions. He builds up the evidence against them, ensuring that they themselves seal their own fate, and making sure that without a doubt, all those who were witnesses to this scene can vouch that Henry V’s actions were just and correct. I think this provides an interesting insight into views of kings during that time because it gives them a platform on which their judgment is based on, allowing them to be transparent with their subjects in all matters.
