Henry V · Chapter
Scene VIII explained
After the Battle of Agincourt, the soldier Williams confronts Fluellen over a glove, revealing that King Henry was the disguised man Williams struck.
What happens
After the Battle of Agincourt, the soldier Williams confronts Fluellen over a glove, revealing that King Henry was the disguised man Williams struck. Henry pardons Williams and rewards him. The herald reports the French casualties, including many nobles, while English losses are remarkably low. Henry attributes the victory to God and orders humble thanksgiving.
Themes in this chapter
War and Its Costs
The scene recounts the staggering French casualties, including princes and nobles, contrasting with the minimal English losses, highlighting the human cost of war.
Honor and Glory
Henry's pardon of Williams and the reward of crowns demonstrate a king's magnanimity, while the attribution of victory to God shifts glory from men to divine will.
Kingship and Leadership
Henry reveals his identity to Williams, showing his willingness to engage with common soldiers, yet he maintains authority by pardoning and rewarding rather than punishing.
Characters to notice
- King Henry V
Reveals himself as the disguised soldier Williams struck, pardons Williams, rewards him, and leads the army in giving thanks to God for the victory.
- Captain Fluellen
Defends the glove given by Henry, accuses Williams of treason, and later offers Williams money to make peace.
- Michael Williams
Strikes Fluellen believing he wore the glove from the disguised king, then explains his actions to Henry and receives pardon and a reward.
- Captain Gower
Enters with Williams and observes the confrontation, calling Williams a villain.
- Earl of Warwick
Enters with Gloucester to inquire about the disturbance.
- Duke of Gloucester
Enters with Warwick to see the commotion.
- Duke of Exeter
Fills the glove with crowns as Henry commands and reports the names of French prisoners taken.
- English Herald
Delivers the official count of French dead and English losses.
Key passages
“All offences, my lord, come from the heart: never came any from mine that might offend your majesty.”
Williams says that his actions were not intended to offend the king, as his heart harbored no malice.
Williams defends himself by claiming his offense was unintentional, given Henry's disguise.
“O God, thy arm was here; And not to us, but to thy arm alone, Ascribe we all!”
Henry declares that the victory belongs solely to God, not to the English army.
Henry insists on attributing the miraculous victory to divine intervention, forbidding any boasting.
“Here was a royal fellowship of death!”
Henry remarks on the noble company of French princes who died together in battle.
The phrase underscores the high status of the French casualties and the solemnity of their shared fate.