The Wooing of Katherine and the Treaty of Troyes explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Kingship and Leadership

  Henry demonstrates his kingly authority through both romantic persuasion and diplomatic negotiation, securing a marriage that solidifies his claim to France.

• War and Its Costs

  Burgundy's speech vividly describes the devastation of war on France's agriculture, society, and culture, emphasizing the need for peace.

• National Identity and Patriotism

  The union of Henry and Katherine symbolizes the merging of English and French identities, with hopes for a shared future and the birth of a 'half French, half English' heir.

• Language and Communication

  The wooing scene is filled with playful linguistic barriers and misunderstandings as Henry and Katherine speak in broken French and English, highlighting both the challenges and charms of cross-cultural communication.

Characters to notice

• King Henry V

  Woos Katherine with a blend of charm, self-deprecation, and royal authority, ultimately securing her hand and the peace treaty.

• Princess Katherine

  Responds to Henry's advances with coyness and broken English, eventually yielding to her father's will and accepting Henry as her husband.

• King Charles VI of France

  Grants his daughter in marriage and agrees to the terms of peace, though he hesitates on one article regarding Henry's title.

• Queen Isabel

  Blesses the union and prays for the harmonious joining of the two kingdoms.

• Duke of Burgundy

  Delivers a lengthy speech on the ravages of war and the need for peace, acting as mediator between the kings.

• Duke of Exeter

  Points out the one article not yet subscribed by the French King concerning Henry's title.

• Earl of Westmoreland

  Confirms that the king has granted every article of the treaty.

• Alice

  Present as Katherine's attendant during the wooing scene.

Key passages

• “If thou would have such a one, take me; and take me, take a soldier; take a soldier, take a king.”

  If you want a constant lover, choose me: by taking me you get a soldier, and by taking a soldier you get a king.

  Henry uses a logical progression to equate his constancy with his royal and military identity.

• “I love France so well that I will not part with a village of it; I will have it all mine”

  My love for France is so great that I refuse to give up even a single village; I intend to possess the entire country.

  Henry playfully asserts his territorial ambition while wooing Katherine.

• “I get thee with scambling, and thou must therefore needs prove a good soldier-breeder”

  I win you through struggle and conflict, so you will have to be a good mother to soldiers.

  Henry suggests that their marriage, born of war, will produce a warrior son.

• “Shall not thou and I, between Saint Denis and Saint George, compound a boy, half French, half English, that shall go to Constantinople and take the Turk by the beard?”

  Won't you and I, with the help of the patron saints of France and England, create a son who is half French and half English, and who will one day conquer Constantinople?

  Henry envisions a future heir who will unite the two nations and lead a crusade.

• “Alas, she hath from France too long been chased, And all her husbandry doth lie on heaps, Corrupting in it own fertility.”

  Peace has been driven away from France for too long, and now the land's agriculture lies in ruins, rotting from neglect.

  Burgundy laments the agricultural and social decay caused by prolonged war.

• “Take her, fair son, and from her blood raise up Issue to me; that the contending kingdoms Of France and England... May cease their hatred”

  Take my daughter as your wife, dear son, and from her lineage produce heirs for me, so that the warring kingdoms of France and England may end their enmity.

  The French King formally gives Katherine in marriage, hoping for lasting peace.