What was Henry V speech at Agincourt?

What was Henry V speech at Agincourt?

On the eve of the Battle of Agincourt, which fell on Saint Crispin’s Day, Henry V urges his men, who were vastly outnumbered by the French, to recall how the English had previously inflicted great defeats upon the French.

What was the purpose of the St Crispin Day speech?

Crispin’s Day speech (so called because he addresses his troops on October 25, St. Crispin’s Day), King Henry says that they should be happy that there are so few of them present, for each can earn a greater share of honor.

Where does Henry make his St Crispins Day speech?

The Feast of St Crispin’s Day speech is spoken by England’s King Henry V in Shakespeare’s Henry V history play (act 4 scene 3). The scene is set on the eve of the battle of Agincourt at the English camp in northern France, which took place on 25 October 1415 (Saint Crispin’s Day).

What is the context of Henry V’s speech?

The events surrounding the speech take place during the Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453) and involve a series of wars between England and France dealing with England’s claim to the French throne. Henry V was pulled into the war when the French king offended him directly and supported a plot against Henry’s life.

How do people celebrate St Crispin’s Day?

The Roman governor had them put to death and they were made saints having been martyrs for their faith. Shoemakers traditionally celebrated St Crispin’s Day with a day off work and much merrymaking. Newspapers often published stories of shoemakers ‘on the drink’ as they kept St Crispin’s Day.

Who is St Crispin in Henry V speech?

However, although Shakespeare’s speech is often referred to as the ‘St Crispin’s Day’ speech, Henry doesn’t actually mention St Crispin until the end; the saint he mentions at the beginning of the speech (‘This day is called the feast of Crispian’) is actually a different saint. Henry needs to make a rousing speech to his men.

What to say on st.crispin’s Day?

And say ‘These wounds I had on Crispin’s day.’ What feats he did that day: then shall our names. Be in their flowing cups freshly remember’d. That fought with us upon Saint Crispin’s day.

What was the feast day of Henry V?

Henry’s speech refers to ‘the feast of Crispian’: a reference to St Crispin’s brother, St Crispinian. However, because the fortunes of the two brothers were so closely interlinked, they share a feast day, 25 October. Now we’ve cleared that up …

What was the meaning of Henry V’s speech?

Henry’s speech captures the sense of comradeship and patriotism which binds the men together on the field of battle. The best way to offer an analysis of this classic speech is to go through it section by section, summarising its meaning and analysing the language Henry uses as we go.