Main MenuOverview by Sujata Iyengar and Nathalie Vienne-Guerrin'Henry V' : A Guide to Early Printed Editions by Daniel Yabut“with rough and all-unable pen…” : Source Study and Historiography in Shakespeare’s 'Henry V' by Mikaela LaFavePistol and Monsieur Le Fer: An Anglo-French Encounter by Charlène CruxentUniversité Paul-Valéry Montpellier 3, IRCL, UMR5186 CNRSMaking & Unmaking National Identity: Race & Ethnicity in Shakespeare’s 'Henry V' by Nora Galland'Henry V' Onstage: From the Falklands War to Brexit (1986-2018) by Janice Valls-RussellThe Problematic Reception of 'Henry V' in France: A Case Study by Florence March“For ’tis your thoughts that now must deck our kings”: Henry’s Popular Afterlives by Philip Gilreath“On your imaginary forces work”: How 'Henry V'’s Chorus Changes the Play Text during Olivier’s Film by Julia KoslowskyA Guide to Teaching 'Henry V' and its Sources by Hayden BensonStudy QuestionsKey Scenes and Speeches from 'Henry V'Back Matter
Making & Unmaking National Identity: Race & Ethnicity in Shakespeare’s Henry V, Page Three
12019-06-15T20:07:25-07:00Margaret Drydene495a2b34ce16b3b4f627260f96e0854f2e43c21296032Making & Unmaking National Identity: Race & Ethnicity in Shakespeare’s Henry V, by Nora Galland, read by Nora Galland and Maggie Drydenplain2019-06-16T21:40:11-07:00SoundCloud2019/06/15 20:09:09 +0000637189992Focus on Henry Vall-rights-reservedMargaret Drydene495a2b34ce16b3b4f627260f96e0854f2e43c21
Henry V is a play in which the eponymous character defines nationhood using ethnic markers mainly based on gender and language. The English nation is a narrative constructed by Henry V to deal with the lack of unity in his kingdom which is highlighted when he evokes the possibility of another Scottish rising (H5, 1.2.149-60).
As a Machiavellian ruler, he decides to use politics of diversion to change the focus of his people from internal disorder to external disorder—to prevent a civil war by waging war against a foreign power.
The Captains’ scene encapsulates three different tales: First, the tale of the nation that defines England as an imperial nation and marginalizes Wales, Ireland, and Scotland to elevate itself as a political center; Second, the tale of the Welsh Captain, the civilized other, and the Irish and Scot captains, the barbarian others that deserve England’s hostility; Last but not least, the tale of the nation that uses racist insults and scapegoating to ensure the order and unity of the nation itself.