# Scene II explained — Henry V

> Chapter companion for Henry V by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

At the siege of Harfleur, Nym, Bardolph, Pistol, and the Boy are reluctant to join the assault. Fluellen drives them forward. The Boy reflects on the cowardice and thievery of his companions. Fluellen and Gower discuss the mines, and Fluellen criticizes the siege tactics. Macmorris and Jamy arrive, and a heated argument about military discipline and national identity erupts between Fluellen and Macmorris, interrupted by a parley from the town.

## Themes in this chapter

### War and Its Costs

The soldiers' reluctance and the Boy's critique highlight the grim realities and moral compromises of war.

### The Common Soldier and Class

The Boy's monologue exposes the cowardice and petty thievery of common soldiers, contrasting with ideals of honor.

### National Identity and Patriotism

The heated exchange between Fluellen (Welsh) and Macmorris (Irish) over 'my nation' underscores tensions within the English army.

## Character check-ins

### Corporal Nym

Reluctant to fight, complains the knocks are too hot.

### Bardolph

Urges others to the breach but is described by the Boy as white-livered and red-faced.

### Pistol

Speaks in bombastic verse, begs Fluellen for mercy, and is noted for having a killing tongue but a quiet sword.

### The Boy

Provides a critical monologue on the cowardice and thievery of Nym, Bardolph, and Pistol; decides to leave them for better service.

### Captain Fluellen

Drives the soldiers to the breach, argues about military discipline, and clashes with Macmorris over national pride.

### Captain Gower

Informs Fluellen that the Duke of Gloucester is directing the siege with an Irishman's advice.

### Captain Macmorris

Angry that the mines have been abandoned, insists on action, and takes offense at Fluellen's comments about his nation.

### Captain Jamy

A Scottish captain who observes the argument and expresses a desire to hear the debate.

## Key lines

> Would I were in an alehouse in London! I would give all my fame for a pot of ale and safety.

The Boy wishes he were safe in a London tavern, valuing comfort over glory.

_Expresses the common soldier's desire for safety over heroic fame._

> For Pistol, he hath a killing tongue and a quiet sword; by the means whereof a’ breaks words, and keeps whole weapons.

Pistol talks fiercely but never fights, so his sword remains unused.

_The Boy's critique of Pistol's cowardice and bluster._

> What ish my nation? Ish a villain, and a bastard, and a knave, and a rascal—What ish my nation? Who talks of my nation?

Macmorris angrily questions the relevance of national identity, implying it is used as an insult.

_Highlights the theme of national identity and the tensions it creates._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/henry_v_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/henry_v_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/henry_v_se/chapters