The Life of King Henry V

"The Life of King Henry V" is a historical play attributed to William Shakespeare, believed to have been written around 1599. It is the final installment in Shakespeare's tetralogy of historical dramas chronicling the reigns of the Lancastrian kings. The play portrays the events surrounding the reign of King Henry V of England, particularly focusing on his military campaign against France during the Hundred Years' War. At the outset of the play, Henry V is depicted as a young and inexperienced king who seeks to assert his authority and unite his kingdom by launching a military expedition to reclaim territories in France. The play follows Henry's journey from a reckless prince to a charismatic leader, culminating in the famous Battle of Agincourt. "The Life of King Henry V" is renowned for its stirring speeches, including Henry's rousing address to his troops before the Battle of Agincourt, famously known as the "St. Crispin's Day Speech." The play also explores themes of leadership, honor, and the nature of warfare, presenting Henry as a complex and morally ambiguous figure.