Henry V

Roles

• King Henry V - Young Adult (20-35), Adult (36-50), Male

About this piece

King Henry V orders the execution of his traitors

Summary

The play is set in the early 15th century. Henry V has just become king after the death of his father. He is now a changed man as the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of Ely point out in the first scene of the play. Henry V, as a young prince, had lived a dissolute life surrounded by questionable characters. He is now a responsible, intelligent and virtuous king. King Henry is now considering to claim the throne of France too since he thinks he is entitled to as one of his ancestors was the daughter of the king of France. The French king, Charles VI, doesn't agree and sends a group of ambassadors with an insulting message to King Henry, saying that the French king considers him immature to rule England and will never concede to his claim to the French crown. King Henry decides to invade France and gathers an army. In the beginning of ACT II the Chorus tells us that there are 3 traitors that have been bribed by the French to kill King Henry before he leaves for France. The 3 corrupt men are the Earl of Cambridge, Henry Lord Scrope of Masham and Sir Thomas Grey of Northumberland. In ACT II, Scene 2, we find out that King Henry has actually found out about the betrayal and decides to consult them about a case of a drunk man who was arrested for speaking against the king in public. The 3 traitors advice the king to punish them even if King Henry wants to let him free. He then tells them he knows that they have betrayed them and they ask for mercy. In this monologue King Henry tells them that they can't ask for mercy as they were ready to execute a drunk man for just speaking against the king. He scolds them for betraying them and finally orders to execute them.

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