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Henry V: Reasons For War Against France - College Essay

Henry V: Reasons For War Against France

"HENRY V"

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the play "Henry V," by William Shakespeare. Specifically, it will discuss why Henry went to war, and my reaction to King Henry's reasons for going to war against France.

HENRY'S WAR WITH FRANCE

Henry's initial claim to France is based on distant ties he had with relatives who were related to the French royal family. The French Dauphin refutes these claims and insults Henry, and he decides to go to war to gain territory and avenge the insult. While the war ends up being successful, and Henry unites England and France by marrying Katherine of Aragon, it seems a bit silly, and quite ...

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father's door. / Therefore let every man now task his thought, / That this fair action may on foot be brought" (Shakespeare I.ii.307-315).
Henry may be a courageous and inspiring leader, but as a man, he has little regard for his subjects or their lives when he declares war on France. Thousands will die to humor him because of an insult and a claim he feels he has, and this not only does not seem fair, it seems irresponsible and egotistical. "Follow your spirit, and upon this charge / Cry, "God for Harry! England and Saint George!" (Shakespeare III.i.34-35).
Fortunately, by the end of the play, Henry has grown up. Perhaps war matured him, or perhaps he got what he wanted and was satisfied, but for whatever reason, Henry seems to have become a better king after the war. He realizes the cost of war to his men, but he blames it on God's will, so he is not so mature that he can see his impetuous actions brought about so many deaths. "But in plain shock and even play of ...

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Henry V: Reasons For War Against France. (2015, September 28). Retrieved January 7, 2026, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Henry-V-Reasons-War-Against-France/105021

"Henry V: Reasons For War Against France." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 28 Sep. 2015. Web. 7 Jan. 2026. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Henry-V-Reasons-War-Against-France/105021>

"Henry V: Reasons For War Against France." Essayworld.com. September 28, 2015. Accessed January 7, 2026. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Henry-V-Reasons-War-Against-France/105021.

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 9/28/2015 01:44:35 AM
Category: Shakespeare
Type: Premium Paper
Words: 741
Pages: 3

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