| King Henry V decides to go to war with France on the base of a complex legal argument to claim the throne of that country. The Dauphin sends an ambassador with a gift: tennis balls. These are meant as an insult toward the English monarch, whose wild youth is well known, and thus ridiculed. Henry responds by declaring war and assuring that the Dauphin will regret his insulting message.
A conspiracy by three noblemen, bribed by the French, is discovered and they are executed. Meanwhile, Henry's former friends, some criminals and drunkards, discuss the death of Sir John Falstaff, a fatherly figure for Henry, who was rejected by the king in his assumption of the throne. The British land at Harfleur and captures the city. Fluellen, Gower, Macmorris and James (the Welsh, English, Irish and Scottish commanders, respectively) are introduced, and Fluellen and Macmorris get into a discussion on military tactics. Bardolph, one of Henry's former friends, is sentenced to death for stealing from the local people, which is supported by Henry himself. The French greatly outnumber the English, so the latter spend the night before the battle of Agincourt believing they will die. Henry visits the troops in disguise, and sets a future quarrel with Williams, who doubts of the King's motives. They agree to duel later, and they shall recognize each other by a glove. After a very emotional speech, the battle starts, and the English win impressively, killing ten thousand French, while only suffering twenty-nine deaths. Henry gives the glove to Fluellen, which starts a fight between Williams and Fluellen, which is ended by a money offer for Williams by the King. King Charles of France is allowed to keep his throne, but Henry is engaged to Princess Catherine, thus becoming the heir to the French crown. | ||
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Plot & Themes Tone of book? - thoughtful Time/era of story - 1600-1899 - Life of a profession: Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book War/Revolt/Disaster on civilians Yes Job/Profession/Status story Yes Conflict: Main Character Gender - Male Profession/status: Age: - 20's-30's Ethnicity/Nationality Main Adversary Identity: - Male Age: - 20's-30's Profession/status: How sensitive is this character? Sense of humor - Cynical sense of humor Intelligence - below average Setting How much descriptions of surroundings? - 3 () Europe Yes European country: - England/UK - France Writing Style Weird Victorian/Shakespearean English? Yes Amount of dialog - mostly dialog |
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