Shakespeare's play "Henry V" was written as a form of propaganda. At the time it was written, Queen Elizabeth was very unpopular and so Shakespeare wrote the play to promote patriotism. Shakespeare's aim was to write the play making the English side look considerably better than the opposition, the French. Therefore it is written in a very biased way. In this essay I will be looking at the contrasting ways in which the two sides, the English and the French, are presented. .
The protagonist is clearly Henry which means that most of the play is focused on this character. The fact that the play is based on the English King shows that the English side is important and that it has patriotic purposes.
The audience first hears about the English King in the Chorus's speech in the prologue. "Harry" (nickname for Henry) is described as "warlike" which means that he is skilled in military matters. He is also compared to the God of Mars, the Roman God of war. This shows Henry as being very powerful and of high status. This introduction by the chorus is the audiences first impression of Henry and it gives a very strong image if the English side being strong and powerful.
Shakespeare shows Henry is respected by his friends when Canterbury and Ely are discussing a new bill that is about to be passed in parliament. Canterbury describes Henry as being "full of grace, and fair regard."(1.1.22), Ely follows this compliment and says "And a true lover of the holy church."(1.2.23) these comments show the audience that Henry is admired and respected by the people close to him and therefore the audience take a liking to Henry, the English king. To be a "true lover" of the church in that time is to be a good person, so for Henry to be a Christian means that he is a good ruler and this means that the audience like Henry.
When Henry decides to go to war, he invites the French ambassador in. This is the first time in the play that a French character appears.
