The Dauphin As A Good Leader In Shakespeare's Henry V

Sometimes the clearest method of defining what something should be is by juxtaposing it with something that is the opposite. In literature, authors often use the literary device of a foil to convey the central theme of the story. The foil is effective because it shows both the good and the bad versions of people that share the same status or position in life, yet they develop differently. Shakespeare uses foils in many of his plays to depict the theme, however, Henry V is one of the obvious plays that this is true of. Shakespeare communicates that humility is integral to a righteous leader through the use of the Dauphin as a foil to Henry in Henry V. The way that Henry and the prince of France interact with the men beneath them shows the quality of their leadership skills. The effect of Henry’s humility on his men appears in the interaction with Erpingham when the old man comments “this lodging likes me better / Since I may say, ‘Now lie I like a king’” (IV.i.16-17). Henry’s …show more content…
Under Henry’s leadership, England proceeds to lead a “band of brothers” to win a victory against unimaginable odds while the prince of France suffers shame and his men scatter. Henry V, portrays the theme that the most important aspect of a leader is humility. Both the way that he interacts with his inferiors and the way that he trusts God instead of himself display the extent of Henry’s humility. The Dauphine contrasts with this picture of righteous leadership by using rash judgment and puffing himself above even those that are wiser than him. Shakespeare uses the prince as foil and picture of Henry’s former self when he was still a prince and relying on his father to show responsibility. Overall, Shakespeare sends the message that humility is the key to a successful leader that people delight to