Simon the Coldheart · Chapter
I: How He Came to Normandy explained
Simon the Coldheart, now past thirty and a renowned commander, stands on a hill near Alençon with his squire Cedric, contemplating his next campaign.
What happens
Simon the Coldheart, now past thirty and a renowned commander, stands on a hill near Alençon with his squire Cedric, contemplating his next campaign. He is summoned to the King, where Henry V tasks him with capturing the fortress of Belrémy from the formidable Lady Margaret. Simon's friends, the poet Alan and the knight Geoffrey, prepare to accompany him, while the King and others jest about Simon's coldness toward women.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Self-Making
Simon's rise from a page to a famous commander, known as the Iron Lord, is highlighted; he is self-made through wit and strength.
Coldness vs. Passion
Simon is described as cold as stone, lacking passion for women, yet showing tenderness toward children; the King predicts his passion will awaken.
War and Leadership
Simon is a renowned general, respected and obeyed; he is tasked with the siege of Belrémy, a military challenge.
Characters to notice
- Simon the Coldheart
Standing on a hill near Alençon, deep in thought; summoned to the King and tasked with taking Belrémy from Lady Margaret.
- Alan of Montlice
The Poet, still girlish in appearance, seeks out Simon and discusses the Belrémy campaign; plans to accompany Simon.
- Geoffrey of Malvallet
The Knight, present with the King; hot-tempered and loyal, he swears to go with Simon to Belrémy.
- King Henry V
Summons Simon, discusses the Belrémy campaign, and teases Simon about his coldness toward women.
- Cedric of Gountray
Simon's squire, a handsome youth with black curls, who watches Simon on the hill and is privileged in his lord's eyes.
- Gilbert of Umfraville
Mentioned as having failed to take Belrémy; present with the King and greets Simon.
Key passages
“He stood upon a hill by Alençon, looking out over France, and the wind blew his fair hair all about his face, and whipped his surcoat round his mailed form.”
Simon stood on a hill near Alençon, gazing across France as the wind tousled his hair and billowed his surcoat.
Opening image of Simon contemplating his next move.
“He had become great, and this by his own wit and strength. He had no equal save the King himself in generalship; no commander was so instantly obeyed, and no commander was so greatly respected by his men.”
Simon achieved greatness through his own intelligence and power, second only to the King in military skill, and was the most obeyed and respected commander.
Describes Simon's reputation and self-made success.
“Yet something he seemed to lack, for with all his assets and attainments, he was cold as stone, almost as though some humanising part of him had been left out in his fashioning.”
Despite his many strengths, Simon seemed emotionally cold, as if missing a humanizing element.
Highlights Simon's lack of romantic passion.
““What manner of woman will it be before whom Simon will fall? How many fair maids hath he passed by? And now he is past thirty. He is not like to love. It is too late.””
Geoffrey wonders what kind of woman could make Simon fall in love, noting he has ignored many beauties and is now over thirty, unlikely to change.
Geoffrey's skepticism about Simon's capacity for love.
