The contradiction of clergymen and war
Heidi Hanania
From general knowledge, it can be said that clergymen are usually supposed to be tied to peace, telling the truth, and helping others. However, it is quite interesting to see how, in Scenes 1 and 2 of Act 1 in Henry V, The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of Ely are almost plotting against King Henry V. As we later see that they are not plotting against him per-say, only against the law he is trying to pass. However, it is almost comical to see two men of religion, especially ones quite high in ranking, plot lies, and push the king into going into war, only for their benefit.
For example, in 1.1.163-164, King Henry states “For God doth know how many now in health Shall drop their blood in approbation” to which the Archbishop replies “then hear me, gracious sovereign, and you peers, that owe yourselves, your lives and services to this imperial throne.” (1.1.178-180) From this, we see that the king is saying that many men are willing to fight for their country and that much blood will be spilled for the sake of this war on France. The Archbishop responds by saying that they owe it to themselves to fight for this country and the throne. Rather than advising the king to do what is right, the Archbishop agrees with everything King Henry says simply for his own benefit. What is so important about this is, is this really what we expect of our clergymen? Aren’t they present for honest guidance and truthful help?
King Henry also puts quite a large amount of emphasis on how important the Archbishop’s answer will affect his decision. In 1.1.167, the king says “how you awake our sleeping sword of war,” telling the Archbishop how his answer will send thousands of men to war. Rather than answer based on truth, the Archbishop repeatedly urges him to go to war. Throughout the first act, King Henry repeatedly asks if France is rightly his, time and time again, the Archbishop tells him it is. (1.1.241-242)
In general, it is quite important to realize how that the clergymen in this play are portrayed as something completely opposite of what they are supposed to be. Although this is still the first act and we do not have much insight to them, we do know tat their position is a complete contradiction to what they are supposed to be and it is interesting to see how Shakespeare portrays them.