# Scene V explained — Henry V

> Chapter companion for Henry V by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

The French nobles, including the Constable, Orleans, Bourbon, Dauphin, and Rambures, lament their catastrophic defeat on the battlefield. Overcome with shame and despair, they contemplate suicide and rally for a final, desperate charge against the English.

## Themes in this chapter

### Honor and Glory

The French nobles are consumed by shame and a desperate desire to reclaim honor through death in battle.

### War and Its Costs

The scene highlights the psychological and moral devastation of war, as leaders contemplate suicide and disorder.

## Character check-ins

### Constable of France

Expresses despair and calls for a disordered charge to regain honor.

### Duke of Orleans

Bewails the lost day and questions the king they sought ransom from.

### Duke of Bourbon

Urges a return to battle to die with honor rather than face eternal shame.

### The Dauphin

Cries out in shame and suggests self-destruction over dishonor.

### Lord Rambures

Present among the French nobles witnessing the rout.

## Key lines

> O diable! O seigneur! le jour est perdu, tout est perdu!

Oh devil! Oh Lord! The day is lost, everything is lost!

_The Constable of France expresses utter despair at the defeat._

> Let’s die in honour: once more back again; And he that will not follow Bourbon now, Let him go hence, and with his cap in hand, Like a base pandar, hold the chamber-door

Let us die with honor: charge once more; anyone who won't follow Bourbon now should leave, cap in hand, like a lowly pimp guarding the door.

_Bourbon calls for a final honorable charge, shaming anyone who refuses._

## Links

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