Michele Cannon

ENGL 339

1/18/05

The Time Warner of Kings

In Shakespeare’s Henry V, the courting of Katherine by Henry lacks both romance and rape. Instead, the commencement of their relationship is more accurately described as a business transaction—a large corporation buying out a small, independently owned business[SM1] .

Henry’s reasons for marrying Katherine are twofold, and neither includes romance. Although he has allowed the defeated King Charles to keep the throne, Henry requires other demands be met. An egotistical and selfish conqueror, Henry views Katherine as security in England’s rule over France. “…for I love France so well that I will not part with a village of it—I will have it all mine.” Their sons will inherit England as well as France. “…I get thee with scambling, and thou must therefore needs prove a good soldier-breeder.” A good businessman knows how to make a profit, and how to guarantee its longevity.

Henry’s second reason for wanting Katherine is sexual. He wishes to have her physical body, to create sons, but also for his masculine pleasure. Many suggestive remarks are made between Burgundy and Henry, even in front of Katherine’s father. Henry is fully ready to take advantage perks afforded to a man of his position. A powerful businessman can bend the rules in his own favor. He will take what he wants, when he wants it. “O Kate, nice customs cursy to great kings.”

However, this transaction necessitates two parties. Even in the confines of the fifteenth century, Katherine does not have to marry King Henry. Although she doesn’t have a choice regarding whom she will marry, Katherine has a choice to [SM2] marry at all. Rather than the most likely alternatives of death and exile she wisely chooses marriage[SM3] . As most businesses would do rather than closing their doors—they seek to gain the most profit out of an unfavorable situation. By marrying King Henry, Katherine gains the approval of her father, a new and different way of life, and a relative degree of power as the queen[SM4] .

Performance Analysis

The performance of Henry V as seen in the 1989 Kenneth Branagh film is an intensely masculine version of this historical Shakespeare play. Though no onstage combat is indicated in the script, Branagh portrays the battle scenes on screen. Henry’s famous speech at the gates of Harflour (III, iii) is depicted with Henry dirty, tired, and bloodied from battle. The close-ups of his face show that he is spitting and fierce. The camera also pans horizontally to show the ruin of the country and tiredness of his army. The scene between Katherine and her nurse (III, iv) is light both in color and delivery, showcasing her vulnerability and girlishness. Also, the scene where Henry discovers his treasonous friends (II, ii) is played up to its utmost intensity. The actors play the scene in very close proximity to each other and even draw weapons and must be held back from physically hurting one another.

The performance of Henry V (IV, i) viewed in class on January 14^th left much to be desired. It seemed as if the actors were more concerned with remembering their lines than acting. Of course, for a group of students without much or any stage experience, the memorization alone can be daunting—especially when coupled with speaking in front of a crowd. However, one particular blocking basic that assisted the actors was sitting down. During the part where Henry is speaking to Williams and Bates, all the actors sat around the fire. Without the nerve-racking dilemma of what to do with their body, the actors drew more focus to the importance of their words [SM5] .