preview

Who Is Katherine In Shakespeare's Henry V?

Good Essays

Who was Katherine in Henry V?
Henry V is a historical play written by William Shakespeare, telling the tale of a battle between England and France. Two Archbishops inform King Henry, that his bloodline has a right to the throne of France. If he were to wage war, he would defeat them in any battle. While the story plays out, the audience is introduced to Princess Katherine of France There are multiple times throughout this play, were the main themes of marriage, gender, and warfare emerges and encompasses Katherine as a main contributor. Despite her two scene existence in the play, she becomes a major player in all three themes. Growing up in the 1400’s Katherine knew she would be married off, ideally to royalty and with that she knew she …show more content…

Den it sall also content me.” (Henry V 5.2.257 - 60)
To elaborate, when asked by Henry for Katherine to marry him, her first thought is not if she loves him. It is not, is this what she wants for herself. Instead she asks if it will please her father the king. Once she knows it will please the king, it will please her too. If this is a sign of her doing what is best for her country or a sign that she will do what is asked of her, despite the way she thinks of feels of the given situation.
Upon this acceptance the King of France easily offers up his virgin daughter to Henry, and in return he would stop Henry and his men slaughtering the people of France. More aware than ever that Katherine will be his, he compares her to his experience of war, conquering each city he came to with the following metaphor. “KING OF FRANCE. Yes, my lord, you see them perspectively, the cities turned into a maid, for they are all girdled with maiden walls that war hath editorial never entered. KING HENRY. Shall Kate be my wife? KING OF FRANCE. So please you. KING HENRY. I am content, so the maiden cities you talk of may wait on her. So the maid that stood in the way for my wish shall show me the way to my will.(Henry V

Get Access