The Shakespeare Book

165

In France, Henry launches
an attack on Harfleur and
threatens dire repercussions
if the townspeople do not yield.
Meanwhile, Bardolph and his
associates argue about joining
the fight. In the French palace, the
French king’s daughter Catherine
tries to learn French. The king rails
against Henry while the Dauphin
condemns French women for
fraternizing with the English.
In the English camp, Bardolph
is caught looting and executed
on Henry’s orders. Henry refuses
an embassy from the French to

persuade him to withdraw. Henry,

disguised as Henry Le Roy, argues

the rights and wrongs of the battle

with the soldier Williams. The

next morning, Henry, his army

outnumbered 5 to 1, gives a speech

pledging that those who fight with

him will be forever remembered on

this, St. Crispin’s Day.

As the French attack again,

Henry orders the slaughter of

French prisoners to free up the men

guarding them. Gower reports that

the French have slain English boys,

and Henry swears the French no

mercy. Henry wins the day, with

THE LORD CHAMBERLAIN’S MAN

Act 3 Act 4 Act 5

10,000 French slain and only three

English lords. Henry prepares to

return to England victorious.

In the French palace, Charles

receives Henry. Henry agrees to

peace only if his demands are

met—including the hand of

Princess Catherine. Henry starts

to woo the French princess in a

conversation made difficult by his

poor French and her poor English.

It ends with Henry kissing her.

The Chorus recounts how destiny

unfolds as Henry and Catherine’s

son becomes Henry VI and how

his courtiers lost France again. ❯❯

3.1

3.6 4.6 5.1

4.1 4.8 5.2

Henry V lays siege

to Harfleur with dire

threats, while the

French king orders

Henry’s capture.

Bardolph is caught

looting and executed

on Henry’s orders.

As the battle begins,

Henry orders the

killing of the

French prisoners.

Pistol is beaten by Fluellen

with a leek, and mourns

on hearing of Nell’s death.

On the eve of battle,

Henry walks the

English camp

incognito.

The English win

the battle.

The French sue Henry

for peace and accede to

his claim.

5.2

Henry woos

Catherine of France.