A different side of King Henry
In Act 4 scene 1, we see a very different side of King Henry; an insecure side. First of all, he disguises himself as a common soldier under a cloak to speak with the other common soldiers to further understand their feelings about the war. This is showing that he, when in costume as king, does not have the courage to address this concern he has for his kingdom. He comes to find out how they feel about him and he understands that they would never independently address their feelings for him when he is not disguised. Pistol praises King Henry but John Bates, Alexander Court, and Michael Williams doubt the motives and the courage that King Henry has. The disguised king defends himself, but the others do not agree with him. This illustrates to us that King Henry has some uncertainties in himself- he has to disguise himself in order to discuss the war and how the soldiers feel about the man who reigns over them. This also shows his ambiguities as king for he is in darkness and in disguise, which suggests that his actions by day are different from his words that are concealed by the night. King Henry acts very strong, and shows a lot of pride during the day, but during this scene we are introduced to a whole different person. Why is it that King Henry is so insecure? He is the king of England; he should take pride and be confident in what he does.
“What infinite heartsease / Must kings neglect that private men enjoy?” (4.1.234-235) All seem to place their worries and guilt on the shoulders of the king who cannot do anything to ease the responsibility of caring for all except display his power and glory. King Henry presents the idea that his motivations for his actions are not of lust or arrogance as kings in the past, but a sense of responsibility to stabilize his kingdom and keep all safe and happy. He expresses a perspective to the audience that demonstrates that power is negative and understands that there is a huge distance between himself and his men. In parallel to this, the only thing that separates himself from his men is the costume of kingship; without that, Henry is not recognizable as the king, and the common soldiers prove this point. “I think the King is but a man, as I am. The violet smells to him as it doth to me. . . . His ceremonies laid by, in his nakedness he appears but a man” (4.1.99-102) The only difference that lies between him and his men is his position, he may be wealthy and powerful but he is not much different.
With this being said, why is it that his men tiptoe around him as though he is glass? Why do they hold their feelings in and act as though it is a sin to express their worries about the war and about their king’s motives? Is King Henry a strong king as he would like to be, or are his men correct in the way the speak about his motives and courage as ruler? Do his men push him to be insecure, or is it that he is afraid of failing in general?