Henry the V is a complex character of much power and potential. In act 1 it explores how Henry starts
out as a rogue character although forced to transform and change into a courageous king. Henry is
portrayed as a powerful and great king. Henry’s desire to take over France turns him into an arrogant
and selfish character who also gets through the rough times to help his country.
Before Henry becomes king, he hangs out with Falstaff who is almost like his mentor. Falstaff helps
Henry become more relatable and mentors him through tough times. Later on, Henry’s desire to take
over France turns him into almost an egocentric king and banishes Falstaff. This shows how Henry
becomes arrogant and selfish just to take over France.
Henry turns back to his mentor and friends to focus on his country. He becomes all-powerful but
almost too powerful. “I will keep my state, be like a king and show my sail of greatness”, this
imperative sentence establishes Henry’s tone of authority and desire to expand. Through a nautical
metaphor, he casts himself as a powerful ship.
Henry the V is an arrogant character whose focus is primarily to take over France and does anything
in his power to try to take over France. When the French deliver him the tennis balls, he becomes
enraged, and this contributes do his anger and flame to try take over France. Betraying his friends
was not a very good thing for Henry to do although for the better of his country shows his courage and
leadership.
EnglEgn