As
the English army enters with scaling ladders, Henry urges them on with a
stirring speech. He tells them that in peace, passivity and humility are
virtues, but in war it is necessary to be ruthless. They must overcome
their natural feelings and make themselves hard. He reminds them they
are descended from men who were tested by war and experienced in it, and
who also fought in France. He urges his foot soldiers and archers to
show their mettle, to demonstrate that they are worthy of their
upbringing. He does not doubt that they are, and he sees nobility in
their eyes. As he leads this latest assault, he encourages them to yell
patriotic slogans as they scale the walls of the city.
Analysis
Henry
V is sometimes studied in business schools to analyze the
qualities that make for successful leadership. There is no doubt that
Henry does a magnificent job of inspiring and leading his men here. He
shows them what attitude of mind is needed, tells them how to attain it,
fills them with pride in the exploits of their ancestors, shows he has
complete confidence in them, and sends them off to battle with
inspirational words ringing in their ears. No leader could do better
than that.
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