In this task, students debate one of the most significant questions of Shakespeare’s play: was Henry V a war hero or a war criminal? To introduce this task, you might discuss Judgement at Agincourt by the Shakespeare Theatre Company Bard Association with your students. In this event, Supreme Court justices and federal judges participated in a moot court trial on the actions of King Henry V at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. Recordings of the trial are available online to watch here.
King Henry V is often lauded as the greatest war hero in English history. His stunning victory at the Battle of Agincourt is held up as an example of English courage and ingenuity. Yet Shakespeare’s treatment of the character is more nuanced. The dogged pursuit of war, the vicious speech outside the gates of Harfleur, the hanging of Bardolph, the killing of the French prisoners and other incidents serve to paint him in less than flattering light. On the other hand, his undoubted charm, good humour, inspiring leadership and steely resolve show him to be the hero we expect.
CLASSROOM COURTROOM
- Divide the class into three groups:
Group 1 will act as the prosecutors of Henry V
Group 2 will act as Henry’s defense lawyers
Group 3 will act as the Jury
- Allow time for each group to work on a strong case using evidence from the text in order to convince the Jury of their position. The aim is to prove whether Henry is guilty or innocent of war crimes. Is he a war hero or a war criminal?
- Group 1 will present their case as to why Henry is a guilty/a war criminal.
Group 2 will present their case as to why he is an innocent/a war hero.
Group 3 ask questions of each group, making them defend their positions with evidence from the play. - Group 3 will then weigh up the arguments and summarise them for the class. They should put forward the most convincing points of each group. They will then present their findings to the class and announce whether Henry is guilty or innocent. If found guilty, they should give Henry an appropriate sentence.
