The Prince vs. Henry V Essay - 1032 Words

The Prince vs. Henry V A comparison of attributes After reading Machiavelli’s The Prince and watching Shakespeare’s Henry V in class, one begins to notice similarities between the authors’ idea of what a â€Å"perfect king† should be. The patterns between the ideal ruler of Shakespeare and the ideal ruler of Machiavelli can be seen in numerous instances throughout this story. For the duration of this essay, I will compare the similarities in both pieces to give the reader a better understanding of how Shakespeare devised his view of what a â€Å"perfect king† should be. One can see an example while looking back on Henry’s youthful experiences. Before taking oath as king, Henry was involved with some scrupulous characters. He would†¦show more content†¦While speaking to the governor, Henry literally scares the people of Harfleur into submission and gains entry to the city without further fighting. This shows a definite similarity in what Machiavelli and Shakespeare view in their leader. As a king, Henry becomes known for being a man of resilience, strategy, and combat. These traits, according to Machiavelli, are necessary to become the â€Å"ideal king.† As stated by Machiavelli, â€Å"†¦a prince ought to have no other aim or thought, nor select anything else for his study, than war and its rules and discipline; for this is the sole art that belongs to him who rules.† (Machiavelli) This can be seen when the Dauphin presents Henry with a gift of tennis balls and an insulting speech practically telling him to stay out of grown men’s affairs. This gives Henry the leverage he needs to start a war with France without looking like the instigator. He can now put the blame of war on the Dauphin and the many lives of whom will be killed. Henry uses this to move toward his strength and show his full potential. Another example can be seen when Henry has to hang Bardolph for plundering during the invasion of France. Years earlier, while drinking in the tavern, Bardolph had asked Prince Henry this question, â€Å"Do not thou, when thou art king, hang a thief?† Prince Henry replied, â€Å"No, thouShow MoreRelatedThe Battle Of Poitiers During The Hundred Year War1711 Words   |  7 Pagesson, Edward the Black Prince had attacked France in 1356. The French had a line of defense, however Edward was able to break through the defenses and attacked the French head on. The current king of France was King John II. Edward the Black Prince was able to cause a disastrous battle in France and the result of the battle was that Edward the Black Prince was able to capture King John II (Jean II) as well as almost 2,000 aristocracy members of France. Edward the Black Prince wanted a ransom. FranceRead MoreHonor in Henry Iv, Part I Ââ€" Falstaff vs. Hotspur1572 Words   |  7 PagesHonor In Henry IV, Part I Ââ€" Falstaff vs. Hotspur According to F. Scott Fitzgerald, The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposing ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function. Indeed, very few people have this quality, the playwright William Shakespeare being one of them. In many of his plays, Henry IV, Part One among them, Shakespeare juxtaposes different worldviews, ideologies, and even environments. His characters usually provide aRead MoreHenry Iv: Hotspur vs. Harry1129 Words   |  5 PagesHenry IV: Hotspur vs. Harry At the beginning of the play it seems that the chief rebel, Hotspur, is in dispute with the King but as the play progresses we find that the main contest is between Hotspur and Hal, the Kings son. At first thought, Hotspur seems to be the easy winner, for all Hal does is spend his time with his friends gallivanting around, stealing and drinking. Hotspur, on the other hand, has returned from a battle in which he defeated the Scots led by Glendower. He has taken manyRead MoreEssay on Hotspur vs. Harry in Henry IV1125 Words   |  5 PagesHotspur vs. Harry in Henry IV    At the beginning of the play it seems that the chief rebel, Hotspur, is in dispute with the King but as the play progresses we find that the main contest is between Hotspur and Hal, the Kings son. At first thought, Hotspur seems to be the easy winner, for all Hal does is spend his time with his friends gallivanting around, stealing and drinking.    Hotspur, on the other hand, has returned from a battle in which he defeated the Read MoreWho Was Melchizedek?949 Words   |  4 PagesScripture e.g., Abram to Abraham; Jacob to Israel. Henry goes on to write, â€Å"Many Christian writers have thought that this was an appearance of the Son of God himself,† â€Å"appearing to him as a righteous king, owning a righteous cause, and giving peace.† The third belief is what Henry describes as â€Å"The most commonly received opinion† about him: â€Å"Melchizedek was a Canaanitish prince, that reigned in Salem, and kept up the true religion there.† Henry asks, â€Å"but, if so, why should his name occur here onlyRead MoreGreek And Roman Classical Culture2251 Words   |  10 Pages(Agincourt and King Henry V, Joan of Arc): The Hundred Years War consisted of three phases of hostility. The first phase was the initial declaration of war in 1337 with a serious of victories before Black Death put a temporary stop to the hostilities. The war would resume in 1356 with an English victory at Poitie rs. About four years later in 1360 Edward III decided to leverage his position. When Henry V became king in 1413 he prepared an immediate invasion of France. Henry V had formed a treaty withRead MoreThe Longbow Played an Important Role in Englands Battles Essay1539 Words   |  7 Pages000-25,000 men. Edward was aware of Philip’s march to Crà ©cy, so started to prepare for the obvious upcoming battle. Edward split his army of 10,000-15,000 men into two divisions. The right division led by Edward III’s 16 year old son Edward the Black Prince. The left division commanded by the Earl of Northampton. Edward however was watching from a viewpoint where he could see the battle. Both of the two divisions were backed up with great quantities of archers wielding the English longbow. The FrenchRead MoreHow to Read Lit Like a Prof Notes3608 Words   |  15 Pagespervasive, so he is frequently echoed. b. See plays as a pattern, either in plot or theme or both. Examples: i. Hamlet: heroic character, revenge, indecision, melancholy nature ii. Henry IV—a young man who must grow up to become king, take on his responsibilities iii. Othello—jealousy iv. Merchant of Venice—justice vs. mercy v. King Lear—aging parent, greedy children, a wise fool 7. †¦Or the Bible a. Before the mid 20th century, writers could count on people being very familiar with Biblical stories, aRead MoreBrown vs. Board of Education2169 Words   |  9 PagesKirisitina Maui’a HIS 303 Brown vs. Board of Education Mr. Mohammad Khatibloo November 1, 2010 Brown v. Board of Education â€Å"To separate them from others of similar age and qualifications solely because of their race generates a feeling of inferiority as to their status in the community that may affect their hearts and minds in a way unlikely ever to be undone† by Chief Justice Earl Warren, Majority Opinion. Imagine you are a seven year old and have to walk one mile to a bus stop by walking throughRead MoreEssay on History of Economics2136 Words   |  9 PagesEconomics 515 Midterm 1 1. Economic growth vs. economic development, define extensive growth intensive growth Economic growth is the sustained increase in the output of goods/services of a society. Economic development is economic growth plus changes in technical and institutional arrangements by with output are produced. Extensive growth- increase in output due to increase in inputs (labor force grows, land stock increases) Intensive growth- increase in output per unit of input –