Sep 5, 2008

Henry V | Act V, Scene 1 Summary and Analysis

Summary
Back in France, in the English camp, Fluellen is seen wearing a leek in his cap. Questioned by Gower, he says he means to force-feed this pungent object to “the rascally, scald, beggarly, lousy, pragging knave Pistol,” who had earlier insulted his heritage by making wisecracks about the leek, which happens to be the Welsh national emblem.

When Pistol enters, Fluellen makes good his intention by thrashing him soundly with a cudgel, or short, heavy club. Though he eats the leek, Pistol is unrepentant, and once the other has left he mutters, “All hell shall stir for...