Henry V

The play contains some of Shakespeare’s finest writing, including the storied English victory over the French at Agincourt. It glorifies war as much as it condemns it, especially in the choruses of soldiers and the steely speeches of Henry urging his troops into battle. We hear not only about King Henry’s impulses for war, but also about bishops who want to postpone a bill that would tax the church and soldiers expecting to reap profits from combat.