Henry VWordsworth Classics #af William Shakespeare

In the early 15th century, young King Henry V ascends to the throne of England after the death of his father, King Henry IV. As his restless subjects deal with the aftermath of bitter civil wars, the young king must face his wild youth and prove himself to gain the respect of his people.

Using his family’s distant roots to French royalty and the interpretation of ancient land laws, Henry lays claim to parts of France. Unsurprisingly, the Dauphin, the ruling prince of France, ridicules Henry’s claim and dismisses it. Left with little choice Henry decides to invade France instead.

"Henry V" is the last of William Shakespeare’s historical plays, often referred to as The Henriad. The others are "Richard II" "Henry IV, Part 1." and "Henry IV, Part 2." All plays are loosely based on the Lancaster branch of England’s House of Plantagenet. Fans of the Netflix show "The King" will recognize similar storylines that are also loosely based on true events. William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was an English playwright, poet and actor. Considered the greatest dramatist of all time, he is widely regarded as the most influential English language writer. Shakespeare’s plays focus on the range of human emotion and conflict, and have been translated into more than 100 languages. Many including "Hamlet" "Macbeth" and "Romeo and Juliet" have been adapted for stage and screen.