Analyse Shakespeare’s presentation of King Henry throughout

King Henry is the eponymous protagonist of the play 'Henry VI'. Shakespeare uses exposition at the very beginning of the play via the Chorus in the Prologue to give the audience clues of Henry's character, describing him as "Warlike Harry...

, assume the port of Mars," Mars, being the God of War, therefore gives the audience the immediate impression that Henry is a mighty warrior. Exposition is also used in Act 1 Scene 1 via the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of Ely. They tell the audience how Henry has grown from the wild youth of Prince Hal in 'Henry IV Parts I and II' into King Henry.From this section we learn many of Henry's characteristics. They describe him as a politician, "Hear him debate of commonwealth affairs," also as a tactful warrior, "List his decourse of War. " Therefore in the opening lines of the play - the audience have a specific idea of what to expect when Henry enters.

The audience is given the impression that Henry is a strong warrior by the Chorus in the Prologue. This goes on to become on the main aspects of Henry's character throughout the rest of the play. We first really see Henry's Warrior attitude in Act 3 Scene 1.This is the main speech before the battle of Harfleur; Shakespeare uses many literacy techniques to present Henry's warrior-like attitude.

In the first line of his speech Henry calls his men "dear friends". This shows us that although he is their commander he doesn't see himself above them and that he is not afraid to fight along-side them. Shakespeare uses a lot of metaphors in the speech which clearly illustrate Henry's intensions; "imitate the action of the tiger" - this tells us that Henry wants his men to take on the savage and blood-thirsty traits of tigers.Shakespeare also repeats a lot of similar words, such as; 'blast', 'terrible', 'overwhelm', 'fearfully', 'wild' and 'hard'. The repetition of these words puts emphasis on the war-like situation.

Shakespeare also uses the repetition of the same words; "On, on you noble English," - this shows how Henry urges on his men and demonstrates his anticipation for the battle. Shakespeare also employs other characters in the play to present Henry as a great warrior. In Act 1 Scene 3 Captain Llewellyn compares Henry's Harfleur campaign to that of Roman military tactics.He does this because the Romans are world famous for their cunning battle tactics and outstanding discipline. This suggests to the audience that Henry is a cunning warrior and a good leader. In Act 3 Scene 7 Captain Llewellyn also compares Henry to 'Agamemnon' and 'Mark Antony'.

Agamemnon was the leader of the Greeks at Troy and Mark Antony was a famous Roman general. These comparisons emphasise Henry's leadership qualities and the audience feels a sense of pride in their previous King.Shakespeare also presents Henry as a great King throughout the course of the play. In his speech before the battle of Harfleur, Shakespeare depicts Henry as being very patriotic, he uses the phrase "noble English" and mention "Alexander" - referring to Alexander the Great and also mentions "Saint George" - being the patron saint of England. The audience also learns a lot about Henry through what others think of him.

As the king, he is greatly admired and adored by his people and seems to have an almost celebrity status in the play.In Act 4 Scene 1 Henry disguises himself so we find out the other characters'' true feelings about him. Henry encounters Pistol first, who pays the King a lot of compliments without realising it. Amongst other things h says Henry has "a heart of gold" - meaning Henry is a good person, trustworthy and honest. He also says Henry is "a lad of life, an imp of fame" - Pistol thinks Henry is full of life; good fun to be around and also that he is famous.

Lastly he says "of fist most valiant" - implying Henry is strong and courageous.He also says "I kiss his dirty shoes" - meaning he respects the King. Shakespeare has done this on purpose to show the audience that Henry is a well-loved King and greatly admired. This contrasts against the opinions of the French Court in Act 2 Scene 4. Prince Dauphin describes Henry as "a vain, giddy, shallow, humorous youth. " They greatly underestimate Henry and do no realise that he has changed.

We can see other ways Henry has been presented as a King in other interpretations of the play, for example Kenneth Branagh's 1989 film adaptation.In the film, Henry is often dressed in bright colours and expensive materials and wearing a crown. Also, when making speeches he is usually on a horse or standing on something that raises him up. This shows his higher status. Another aspect of Henry that is presented throughout the play is his role as a politician. We mainly see this in the first and last scenes of the play.

In Act 1 Scene 2 Henry is extremely concerned about the laws in France, "why the Salic law that they have in France or should or should not bar us in our claim.He wants to ensure that he has a just cause to go to war with France and makes Canterbury go into great detail about the laws. The inevitable outcome of the war was that King Henry conquered France. We see in Act 5 Scene 2 that Henry has drawn up a Peace Treaty. Although they are in France, in the French Kings palace in Troyes, Henry is very much in control of the proceedings. In line 71 he says "with full accord to all out just demands" - Henry is saying that the French King must agree to everything, he doesn't have much choice.

The French King tries to buy some time by asking to go over the Treaty again, but Henry know what he wants and isn't taking any nonsense. He sends all his nobles away with the King telling them the have "free power to ratify, augment or alter as your wisdoms best" - his general message being: add to the treat until the King signs it. This shows us Henry's political skills and direct approach. But the main condition of the Peace Treaty is Henry's marriage to Katherine, calling her "our capital demand.

" He subsequently dismissed the court to be alone with Katherine.His proposal of marriage to Katherine is firstly for political reasons as it secures his inheritance to the French throne, but he also seems to love her which shows him human emotions. Shakespeare also presents Henry throughout the course of the play via Henry's own thoughts and actions. Throughout the play we see Henry depicted as a devout Christian and very religious. In Act 1 Scene 2 we see that Henry trusts Canterbury, "what you speak is in your conscience washed as pure as sin with baptism.

" - Henry trusts Canterbury because he is a man of God.After the victory in the Battle of Agincourt , in Act 4 Scene 8, Henry will not accept any glory but gives it all to God saying - "To boast of this, or take that praise from God, which is his only. " And "God fought for us. " This shows how important God and religion is to Henry. Shakespeare also uses Henry's soliloquy in Act 2 Scene 1 to present his character.

In lines 233-237 Henry describes many things associated with monarchy, but starts the list with - "'Tis not the balm, the sceptre and the ball" - he is saying that these regalia and ceremonies are not what make a King and if you took them all away he is just an ordinary man.He goes on to describe the life of an ordinary hard-working man. He mentions "Pheobus", "Elysium" and "Hyperion" which are all taken from classical mythology, this helps with the imagery. Henry says that the ordinary man has a better like than he does -"Had the forehand and vantage of a King.

" This is because, as he says at the beginning of the soliloquy, Henry has the burden of everyone on him, whereas the ordinary man does not. This shows Henry's anxieties. Henry's human emotions are further shown in Act 4 Scene 1. This scene can be interpreted in different ways.For example in Kenneth Branagh's 1989 film, Henry wears a long, hooded cloak to mask his identity.

Here Henry secretly tells his men what he thinks of himself - "I think the King is but a man as I am. " And "In his nakedness he appears but a man. " And "His fears, out of doubt, be of the same relish as ours are. " Here Shakespeare is telling the audience that Henry is just a man and feels fear like any other man. He goes on to say that Henry has to hide his fear otherwise is would dishearten his army.

Henry is also presented by his love for Katherine.In Act 5 Scene 2 we see all Henry's harsh, warrior characteristics melt away as he becomes quite romantic. During this scene he affectionately shortens her name to "Kate" and flatters her throughout. He humbles himself as he tries to speak French to her. Towards the end of the scene he kisses her.

Followed by - "You have witchcraft in your lips, Kate. " He is spell-bound by his love for her. This shows us that even though he has huge responsibility as King and must be strong and brave as a warrior, he is still able to feel love.Throughout the course of the play Shakespeare employs many techniques to present Henry.

Shakespeare presents him as a strong King, warrior and politician. But despite being constantly compared to Gods and famous historical warriors, Shakespeare presents Henry as an actual human being. Throughout the play we see Henry's inner-most thought and feelings, his hopes and fears. Shakespeare's presentation of Henry's emotions show that he is just an ordinary man, this helps the audience connect with Henry as they can relate to him. Subsequently, he audience feels more involved with the play.