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King Henry V Character Analysis

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Throughout history, it has been difficult to have a dynastic succession produce good leaders. However, in William Shakespeare’s Henry V, King Henry V is acclaimed as the dynastic successor to England. Henry has a valid claim to the French throne, but France already has a successor, the Dauphin. With some convincing and financing from the clergy, Henry decides to fight for his place as the French heir. In the Battle of Agincourt, Henry demonstrates strong leadership at a young age. As previously explained in Act I, Henry’s father died when he was young, and Henry V gained a new demeanor and changed his wild ways into proper ethics for royalty. Henry’s personality change leads to his noble leadership, and he seems to lead by example and in words even as a young king. King Henry’s conduct causes him to be a just ruler. King Henry’s morality, impartiality, and authority cause him to be a just ruler. King Henry’s morality causes him to be a just ruler. When Henry rises to the throne, he sheds his reckless personality as much as possible, and he even distances himself from an old friend, John Falstaff. King Henry becomes a morally and mentally sound king for England. Henry gains important morals for a ruler such as humility, grace, piety, and wisdom even at his young age. Henry shows a glimpse of his humility when he addresses the soldiers before the siege of Harfleur to inspire them for battle. Henry says that they all must go “Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once / more” (3.1.1-2). By addressing the soldiers as dear friends, Henry acknowledges them as equals and even goes as far as saying that they are his comrades. His humility is loved by his people, so they respond as motivated and united front for England. A good leader must never hold his/her head higher than his/her subjects because this makes the ruler more popular when he/she considers all people equally. Also, Henry is loved by the Church for his piety and other morals. As the Bishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of Ely discuss the bill about to be passed which would tax the church, the Bishops mention that Henry V is “full of grace and fair reward. / And a true lover of the Church” (1.1.24-25Whn Henry gains piety after his father’s

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