How does Shakespeare compare and contrast the English forces with their French counterparts?
To read all this essay and more Visit Coursework.info
Below is a short sample of the document. Visit Coursework.info for the full version.
... essential part of it. In Act Three, Scene One, he divides the speech up equally, appealing to what affects each group the most. To the nobles, he appeals to their sense of honour, telling them to "Be copy now to men of grosser blood", meaning set an example to those of inferior blood and "Dishonour not your mothers" thereby not letting them have the shame of a son who would not fight for his country. Henry calls for the peasants to show 'The mettle of your pasture' in other words the good quality of their breeding and tells them they reflect in their eyes the spirit of the nobles. The French however, do not seem to share this attitude, and treat the lower classes with a very dismissive attitude. In Act Four, Scene Two, the Constable describes the peasants as 'superfluous' and goes as far to say they clutter up the battlefield. Henry's youth spent consorting with the lower classes would certainly play a part in his attitude towards those below him, and give him a vital insight to w ...
