Henry V: The Transformation of Crusading
Matt Camacho
Crusading took on a highly different tone during the sixteenth century than it had in previous eras, and Shakespeare’s Henry IV reflects a sense of change on the matter. However, does his son, Henry V, portray any of the same changes? After all, Henry V is often considered more of a cultural hero than his usurper father. Despite a few references to religious tension between Christians and Muslims, overall he seems like more a secular authority in policy. Through Henry V, Shakespeare ironically portrays crusades as they were reimagined during the sixteenth century.
Modern scholarship seems torn on how to receive Henry’s war for France. Grace Tiffany points out his frequent references to the wounds of Christ in describing his army (Tiffany, 77). Meanwhile, Jerry Brotton notes the "Saint George" that Henry references is a well-known Catholic saint and possible crusader (Brotton, 531). The stage seems set for a tale about religious conflict. Yet, Tiffany also argues that Henry V acts out of "imperialist" urges (Tiffany, 81). It also feels odd that the target of this religiously-minded hero is France, not a pagan or Muslim country. Benedict S. Robinson also points out that his next target in mind, Constantinople, is the "seat of the empire rather than the site of Christ’s crucifixion" (Robinson, 400).
Instead of arguing for either camp, I would rather propose that Henry V presents a sense of flexibility to crusading. He carries Henry IV’s sense of singular leadership, and feels the need to redeem his entire nation: "Our children, and our sins, lay on the King." (Henry V, iv.i.214). Yet, he also distinguishes God from politics at several points. After dismissing the Dauphin, he remarks, "For we have now no thought in us but France, Save those to God," (i.ii.302). He treats Constantinople and France as imperial conquests, and still has a view of himself as a godly figure. He occupies both the religious and secular realms of the sixteenth century. By including both elements, Shakespeare forms a hero even more relatable to his audience than Henry IV.
Modern scholarship seems torn on how to receive Henry’s war for France. Grace Tiffany points out his frequent references to the wounds of Christ in describing his army (Tiffany, 77). Meanwhile, Jerry Brotton notes the "Saint George" that Henry references is a well-known Catholic saint and possible crusader (Brotton, 531). The stage seems set for a tale about religious conflict. Yet, Tiffany also argues that Henry V acts out of "imperialist" urges (Tiffany, 81). It also feels odd that the target of this religiously-minded hero is France, not a pagan or Muslim country. Benedict S. Robinson also points out that his next target in mind, Constantinople, is the "seat of the empire rather than the site of Christ’s crucifixion" (Robinson, 400).
Instead of arguing for either camp, I would rather propose that Henry V presents a sense of flexibility to crusading. He carries Henry IV’s sense of singular leadership, and feels the need to redeem his entire nation: "Our children, and our sins, lay on the King." (Henry V, iv.i.214). Yet, he also distinguishes God from politics at several points. After dismissing the Dauphin, he remarks, "For we have now no thought in us but France, Save those to God," (i.ii.302). He treats Constantinople and France as imperial conquests, and still has a view of himself as a godly figure. He occupies both the religious and secular realms of the sixteenth century. By including both elements, Shakespeare forms a hero even more relatable to his audience than Henry IV.