Henry V Summary

England is in a state of political instability in the early fifteenth century as the newly crowned King Henry V ascends the throne after the death of his father, King Henry IV. The lingering restlessness and dissatisfaction of the English people, a result of numerous devastating civil wars, presents a challenging environment for the young king. The youthful monarch must also overcome his reckless past, marked by association with thieves and drunkards at a disreputable London tavern, to win the respect and trust of his subjects and court.

Young Henry stakes his claim to parts of France, citing his distant lineage to the French royal family and relying on convoluted ancient land laws. When the Dauphin, the French prince, responds insultingly to his claims, an incensed Henry determines to wage war on France. The English nobles and clergy rally behind him as he marshals his forces. This decision impacts his subjects profoundly, including his former friends from the tavern - Bardolph, Pistol, and Nim - who, having been spurned after his ascension to the throne, now prepare to leave their homes and families for war. News of the death of Falstaff, an old knight and once the king's closest companion, reach them as they prepare for departure.

As the English armada readies to set sail, Henry uncovers a plot on his life and has the conspirators, including a former friend named Scrope, executed. The English then embark on their campaign across France, winning battles against overwhelming odds, including the town of Harfleur where Henry delivers a rousing speech to his soldiers. When his men, including Nim and Bardolph, are found looting, they are executed on King Henry's orders. The war culminates in the famous Battle of Agincourt, where the English, heavily outnumbered, miraculously clinch victory. Post-battle, a peace agreement is reached where Henry agrees to marry Catherine, the French king's daughter, uniting the two crowns under their future son.