Henry V By William Shakespeare: Character Analysis

In numerous situations, different people hold varied perspectives when determining what is true and what is false. For example, looking at a mirror, one could say that they see a reflection of themselves. Nevertheless, another could say that they see the opposite of themselves. Either way of thinking could be correct, but sometimes people are blinded to such an extent by the reflection that they fail to see the opposite. In Henry V, by William Shakespeare, the Chorus describes Henry as the mirror of all Christian kings whom his men follow. Is Henry the reflection or the opposite of a Christian king? At first, Henry might seem like the true reflection of a Christian king based upon his moral and sincere actions. However, not all his acts are as virtuous as they appear and just as a mirror, Henry carries several flaws. Thus, Henry’s illusional actions reveal his concealed vices. Henry’s painless acceptance of his companions’ deaths shows his cruelty as a supposed Christian king. When the Earl of Cambridge, who is Henry’s cousin, commits treason along with two others, they are all sentenced to death by Henry himself. After the three traitors beg for mercy, Henry says: “God quit you in his mercy…/…Poor miserable wretches, to your death” (II.ii.173, 187). As a king, it is absolutely just for Henry to execute the traitors for his country’s safety. In addition, the three traitors plan an assassination of Henry, thus, it is fair of Henry to kill them. However, he shows no pity in any manner as he condemns his own family member to death. Accentuating the traitors’ sin, Henry says: “I …show more content…
Disguised as a common soldier, Henry travels throughout the camp discovering his men’s opinions about him. Among the people that Henry observes is Williams, who, not knowing that he is talking to his sovereign, argues with Henry about his responsibility of his men’s deaths as king. Eventually, they vow to fight,