The play ends with Henry courting Katherine and Henry telling her father that if he isn't given her hand then he will keep the war going. It shows that Henry isn't some bloodthirsty killer, but instead is willing to end the war on his terms. When Henry says "...it is good for you my love is blind" he means if he didn't love Katherine, the war wouldn't end until they offered him something better.
I think that Shakespeare thought of Henry as a typical person, not above or below the common people. He has feelings, fears, weaknesses, and strengths, just like us. The only thing different is the family he was born into.
About whether Henry is a bloodthirsty killer, what about when Henry threatened the French King that 'without Katherine's hand he would continue the war and rape all the towns?' (paraphrased). How would that play into Henry being or not being bloodthirsty? I like your thoughts on how you believe Shakespeare viewed Henry. Remember, you can make your argument stronger if you give an example to support your ideas. For example, when did Henry show feelings, fears, weaknesses, and/or strengths?
ReplyDeleteI agree, Shakespeare did show Henry being 'human.'
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