Deirdre Burke
English 339
Paper #1
19 January 2005
Mixing Business with
Pleasure
The relationship between
Henry the Fifth and Katherine, in William ShakespeareÕs play Life of Henry
the Fifth, is one of business.
In act five scene two Henry, being a savvy businessman, attempts to
sweeten the venture by working on Katherine. He knows that in order for the union to be prosperous he
must acquire KatherineÕs consent. He
needs her signature on the dotted line.
An unhappy queen is an unhappy kingdom.
Henry takes the role of
negotiator. He appeals to
Katherine in multiple ways. His
first attempt through sweet talk proves to be unfruitful. ÒAn angel is like you, Kate, and you
are like an angel.Ó Katherine
knows these words are easily whispered.
Smart young ladies do not fall for mere words[SM1].
In HenryÕs next attempt he
plays the pity card. This is a
bold move by the young businessman; many men would not display their weaknesses
so openly. As Katherine reflects
upon his expressions she realizes she is beginning to bend and quickly changes the subject back
to the business at hand. ÒIs it
possible dat I sould love de ennemie of France?Ó Henry senses her anxiousness and responds as straight
as he can[SM2]. He does not want her to feel like she
is being cheated or misled. If
this happens the deal will become sour[SM3].
In his final attempt Henry
reveals the details of the transaction.
He informs her that their union will create a son. This child will be a bridge between the
two countries. He also advises Katherine
that the deal will only become better with time and that her father, her boss,
is bound to approve. With the
particulars laid out Kate concedes and Henry seals the deal with a kiss[SM4].
Page:
1
[SM1]Excellent
subtext analysis!
Page:
1
[SM2]Quote
would help
Page:
1
[SM3]Nicely
stated
Page:
1
[SM4]DeirdreÑyouÕve
communicated a great deal in few words.
Your analysis of this flurry of words shows its underlying direction and
purposeÑlike a negotiation consisting of a successful dance combining competition and
collaboration. Your use of the
business jargon is witty and illuminating.
A