Oct 11, 2008

Henry V | Act IV, Scene 1 Summary and Analysis

New Characters:
John Bates, Alexander Court, Michael Williams: soldiers in Henry’s army

Sir Thomas Erpingham: an officer in Henry’s army

Summary
As predicted in the Prologue, Henry spends most of this scene in disguise, mingling with the common soldiers to sense their morale and spread encouragement.

He borrows a cloak from Sir Thomas Erpingham, an elderly officer, and soon encounters Pistol. Not seeing through the disguise, Pistol treats Henry brusquely. Upon hearing that he is a friend of his adversary Fluellen, he makes a vulgar gesture and exits. Half...