Transformation

 “It make of monsters and things indigest such cherubins as your sweet self resemble, creating every bad a perfect best.”

-Sonnet 115 on Transformation

Hal, now with the adorned title of King Henry, has become a radically transformed character. He has thrown in the towel on his tavern-drinking buddies in exchange for leadership and political responsibility. This new role has drawn a significant line between personal and Kingly desire that raises the question: Can personal desire honestly exist within this politic? Could Henry V’s desires have changed this drastically in such a short amount of time? And, is this change good or bad? Twice in Henry V, Henry disguises himself as a common person. This acting reveals an apparent division between the two selves/identities Henry holds within himself, an inner conflict between them, and a division between King/politic and the commonwealth. Despite his lack of loyalty towards his old friends, Henry proves his worthiness of the crown through strict adherence to loyalty of England and the adherence to satisfy the people of the land. He is no doubt a fearless and often inspiring ruler. This new responsibility generally seems to satisfy him. But the success of power, seems to mean the loss of oneself or individuality.

When it comes to accomplishing what he believes is righteous, nothing comes in Henry’s way. This brute determination leads to demission and death to many, some of which he once called friends. While his morality is questionable, his seriousness of his role as a King is steadfast. He is a just, often portrayed heroic, King who pleads he is not motivated by lust, power, or greed.

4.3.20. The Band of Brothers Speech:

“I am not covetous for gold, Nor care I who doth feed upon my cost; it yearns me not if men my garments wear; such outward things dwell not in my desires.”

Henry V seeks advising for many of his decisions, showing his consideration for the happiness of the commonwealth (and maybe a little insecurity with his new responsibility). While he speaks that his main ambition is for peace, his murderous actions displayed in the war and even psychological threats tell otherwise. War is simply the device for the attainment of his desire. This division parallels this body-politic between his personal self and his King self. Even when Dauphine and others mock him, he stays persistent to his new role and naturally abandons his old self-indulgent ways cold turkey.

Beyond his pride as King, Henry V displays a greater goal to leave behind a legacy; his own permanent mark upon England’s history. He views going to war as a noble deed. (quote) Henry visualizes the legacy marked on the gravestones of all the men who fought and died, a relic that will be told for generations to come. Similarly to before, this desire is outward of himself, or rather an extension of himself. Henry appears to be doing what he believes is the best he possibly can. He has a big shoe to fill and a lot of making up to do, but he proves himself worthy as a King. While Henry is pursuing the best for the land, one must be wearisome where the divide between the law and people actually stand. A good King should not only take into consideration his own people, but foster peace among nations as well.