Shakespeare’s Henry V concludes a cycle where the playwright scrutinizes the essence of kingship, juxtaposing medieval and Renaissance ideals of rulership. The play portrays Henry V as the epitome of an ideal monarch, seamlessly merging the qualities of a warrior, a diplomat, and a sovereign attuned to the needs of his people. Through vivid characterization and masterful rhetoric, Shakespeare examines themes of legitimacy, divine right, and the balance between mercy and justice.

The Ideal King

In the plays leading up to Henry V, particularly Henry IV, Part I, young Prince Hal’s roguish behavior serves a purpose. He appears as a wayward prince, but his actions are strategic, meant to confound his critics when he transforms into a paragon of kingship. True to this promise, Hal emerges as King Henry V, a sovereign who understands his people profoundly due to his youthful escapades. This wisdom, born of experience, enables him to comprehend the vices and virtues of his subjects, positioning him as a ruler who embodies both empathy and strength.

Henry V epitomizes the Elizabethan ideal of a well-rounded king. As depicted in act 1, scene 1, he is not only a man of action but also a scholar, diplomat, poet, and soldier. He is described as capable of engaging in theological debates, political discourse, and musical discussions. Unlike his predecessor, Richard II, who was plagued by insecurities, Henry V exudes confidence in his authority and capacity to lead. His successes, he attributes to divine providence, reflecting his deep-seated patriotism and humility.

Strength in Leadership

Henry V’s leadership is characterized by astute perception and discretion. He prefers to gauge the sentiments of his subjects firsthand by mingling with them incognito, rather than relying on filtered reports. His effective intelligence network identifies traitors swiftly, allowing him to act decisively and maintain stability. These experiences from his youth enable him to distinguish between loyalty and treachery, ensuring that his circle of advisers consists of competent and trustworthy individuals.

Henry’s generosity towards his allies is evident, rewarding loyalty with appreciation and camaraderie. His St. Crispin’s Day speech exemplifies this, as he calls his soldiers "brothers," regardless of their social standing. This flexibility extends to his leadership style, where he balances wartime ruthlessness with peacetime compassion. His leniency towards enemy villagers contrasts with his firm stance against French captives violating wartime ethics.

The Machiavellian Approach

The portrayal of Henry V incorporates Machiavellian principles, echoing themes from Niccolò Machiavelli’s The Prince. As a newly crowned and initially unproven ruler, Henry needed to consolidate his power quickly, diverting attention from internal strife to a unifying foreign conflict. The French, underestimating him as a frivolous youth, inadvertently presented the perfect target for this strategy. Henry’s response to French provocations, combining eloquence with resolve, rallied support for a just war, supported by religious and legal frameworks.

The resulting campaign against France was depicted as a holy endeavor, backed by the church’s sanctification of the cause. By reminding his subjects of England’s historical claims and ancestral glories, Henry rekindled national pride and unity. His Machiavellian manipulation of rhetoric and policy not only stabilized his reign but also fortified his reputation as a masterful statesman.

Victory and Legacy

The Battle of Agincourt is the climax of the play, symbolizing Henry’s rightful claim to the throne. Shakespeare omits the actual strategic advantage of English longbowmen, focusing instead on the king’s ability to inspire his men through valor and rhetoric. The contrasting portrayal of the French nobility, depicted as vain and complacent, underscores Henry’s leadership qualities. While the French falter, the English, under Henry’s guidance, embody a cohesive "band of...