Posted by Karen on October 15, 19100 at 16:44:12:

In Reply to: King Henry V as a leader posted by caleb rohrbaugh on May 03, 19100 at 08:31:34:

There were a number of King Henrys. I think you mean Henry V, the victor at Agincourt.
Caleb, Henry V is my favorite Shakespeare play, and once you see it, yours. I suggest you check out one or more of the VCR versions available at your local library, and read along as you watch with a paperback of Shakespeare's play (some parts will be left out, and the emphases will be a little different - for instance, Oliver's play doesn't deal at all with Henry's order to kill prisoners)>
Henry represents a chivalric medieval king, motivated by honor, duty and country. His military victory of Avincourt, where he was outnumbered 3-to-1, and his troops were tired, hungry and sick with diarrhea, is legendary fact.
An excellent explanation of the battle (and easy to read) can be found in John Keegan's "The Face of Battle" (paperback), pp. 78-116.
The role of archers is important - explore that - they triumphed over armored cavalry and armored ground troops, but were considered the "lowest" form of warfare at the time.
The reasons for the battle are more interesting than the legend admits: look into the interests of the Church at the time.
Have fun!

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