Henry V · Chapter
Scene V explained
The French court, led by King Charles VI, reacts to Henry V's army crossing the Somme.
What happens
The French court, led by King Charles VI, reacts to Henry V's army crossing the Somme. The Dauphin, Constable, and Bourbon express outrage and shame at the English advance, fearing dishonor and mockery from their own women. The King orders Montjoy to deliver a defiant message to Henry, demanding ransom, while the French nobles prepare for battle.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Glory
The French nobles are obsessed with national and personal honor, fearing shame and mockery if they fail to confront the English.
National Identity and Patriotism
The French King and nobles rally around defending France against the invading English, emphasizing their land and heritage.
War and Its Costs
The French prepare for a decisive battle, with the Constable noting the English army's sickness and famine, highlighting the human toll of war.
Characters to notice
- King Charles VI of France
Orders Montjoy to deliver defiance to Henry and commands the French princes to prepare for battle.
- The Dauphin
Expresses indignation at the English advance and is ordered by his father to remain in Rouen.
- Constable of France
Urges immediate action against Henry, criticizes English climate and valor, and notes the English army's weakness.
- Duke of Bourbon
Vows to sell his dukedom rather than let the English march unopposed; mocks English dancing.
- Montjoy
Sent by the French King to deliver a message of defiance to Henry.
Key passages
“Let us not hang like roping icicles Upon our houses' thatch, whiles a more frosty people Sweat drops of gallant youth in our rich fields!”
Let us not be idle and frozen in place while the English, from a colder climate, fight bravely in our fertile lands.
The Constable shames the French into action by contrasting their perceived lethargy with English vigor.
“Our madams mock at us, and plainly say Our mettle is bred out and they will give Their bodies to the lust of English youth To new-store France with bastard warriors.”
Our women ridicule us, saying our courage is gone, and they will bear children with English soldiers to repopulate France with bastards.
The Dauphin expresses deep shame, suggesting French women prefer English men, a blow to national pride.