Within the final act of the play, Shakespeare highlights Henry’s calculating nature despite his victory at the Battle of Agincourt and his subsequent success in winning Katharine’s hand in marriage via the Treaty of Troyes as a result. However, despite Henry’s victory, he still attempts to woo Katharine for her hand in marriage. Moreover, this highlights the considerable power balance between the two, as regardless of Katharine’s broken English, Henry mocks Katharine by repeatedly using the lexis ‘like’ even when she has explained her understanding of the word is minimal. The behaviour displayed by Henry can be interpreted as another layer to his callous and cruel personality, showing his cunning ability to play a game although the battle has already been won.
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Is the scene simply to foster a sense of happiness from the audience to counteract the bloodshed from the prior battles? Alternatively, Henry’s effort could be viewed as a somewhat valiant attempt to ensure the marriage is cohesive, acknowledging there must be a positive relationship between the two countries for England’s success to continue, beginning with the marriage unity. As Shakespeare is likely to have written this play around 1599, it may be interpreted as a social commentary on the political climate at the time, such as the 1596 alliance between France and England, as well as the uncertainty towards the end of Elizabeth I’s reign which would resonate heavily with the audience of the time. Arguably, whilst this final act provides the play with a complete wheel of fortune, providing romantic relief for the bloodshed of the prior acts, it reminds the audience of the untimely death of Henry V and his calculating
Is the scene simply to foster a sense of happiness from the audience to counteract the bloodshed from the prior battles? Alternatively, Henry’s effort could be viewed as a somewhat valiant attempt to ensure the marriage is cohesive, acknowledging there must be a positive relationship between the two countries for England’s success to continue, beginning with the marriage unity. As Shakespeare is likely to have written this play around 1599, it may be interpreted as a social commentary on the political climate at the time, such as the 1596 alliance between France and England, as well as the uncertainty towards the end of Elizabeth I’s reign which would resonate heavily with the audience of the time. Arguably, whilst this final act provides the play with a complete wheel of fortune, providing romantic relief for the bloodshed of the prior acts, it reminds the audience of the untimely death of Henry V and his calculating