Discover Oxford School Shakespeare: Henry V

Oxford School Shakespeare: Henry V

No. of pages 208

Published: 2015

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Oxford School Shakespeare is an acclaimed edition especially designed for students, with accessible on-page notes and explanatory illustrations, clear background information, and rigorous-but-accessible scholarly credentials. Henry V is a popular text for study by secondary students the world over. This edition includes illustrations, preliminary notes, reading lists and classroom notes. This title is suitable for all exam boards and for the most recent GCSE specifications.

This book is part of a book series called Oxford School Shakespeare .

There are 208 pages in this book. This book was published in 2015 by Oxford University Press .

Rene Weis is Professor of English at University College London and a distinguished editor and biographer of Shakespeare. Series editor, Roma Gill, has taught Shakespeare at all levels, and has acted in, directed, and given lectures on Shakespeare's plays the world over.

This book contains the following story:

Henry V

"Henry V" is a historical play written by William Shakespeare, chronicling the events surrounding the reign of King Henry V of England and his famous victory over vastly superior French forces in 1415 at the Battle of Agincourt during the Hundred Years' War.

Act 1: The play begins with a chorus that sets the stage for the story, highlighting England's political divisions and King Henry V's decision to claim the throne of France.

Act 2: In response to an insulting gift from the French Dauphin, King Henry decides to launch a military campaign to assert his claim to the French throne. He assembles his army and sets sail for France.

Act 3: In France, King Henry faces various challenges and political intrigue. He receives a message from the French king, Charles VI, offering him a portion of France in exchange for peace. However, Henry rejects the offer and prepares for battle.

Act 4: The English army besieges the French town of Harfleur. After a fierce battle, the town surrenders to King Henry. However, the campaign takes a toll on the English troops due to disease and harsh weather conditions.

Act 5: As the English army advances towards Calais, they encounter a much larger French army at Agincourt. Outnumbered and exhausted, King Henry rallies his men and delivers the famous "St. Crispin's Day" speech, inspiring them to fight courageously. The Battle of Agincourt ensues, and despite being heavily outnumbered, the English emerge victorious due to their tactical prowess and the Frenchmen's mistakes.

Act 6: After the battle, the English army marches towards Calais, where they are warmly welcomed by the grateful citizens. King Henry returns to England as a triumphant hero, and he reunites with his beloved Catherine, the daughter of the French king. They declare their love for each other, and Henry's marriage to Catherine symbolizes the unity between England and France. The play concludes with a chorus praising King Henry and his reign, and the hope for a bright future for England and its victorious king.

"Henry V" is a patriotic and heroic play that celebrates the leadership and military triumphs of King Henry V. Shakespeare's portrayal of the young king's transformation from a wayward prince to a charismatic and inspiring ruler showcases the complexities of leadership and the challenges of war. The play remains a testament to the power of unity, courage, and the spirit of the English people during a defining moment in history.

This book is in the following series:

Oxford School Shakespeare

This book features the following characters:

John Shakespeare
This book features the character John Shakespeare.

William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was an English poet, playwright and actor. He wrote plays, sonnets and verse and is regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English Language. Son of a glove maker, he grew up in Stratford-upon-Avon. He married Anne Hathaway and had three children, though one died very young. Shakespeare left Stratford to pursue theatre in London, where he acted at the Globe Theatre, wrote and was part owner of a playing company called 'The Lord Chamberlein's Men' (later 'The King's Men').

Shakespeare
This book features the character Shakespeare.

Mary Arden
This book features the character Mary Arden.

Anne Hathaway
This book features the character Anne Hathaway.

King Henry
This book features the english king, King Henry.