Enjoy one of the great renditions of this wonderful speech from Shakespeare’s play Henry V.

Henry V’s St. Crispin’s Day speech is one of the most famous and inspiring speeches in English literature. It is a pivotal moment in William Shakespeare’s play “Henry V,” and it takes place before the Battle of Agincourt during the Hundred Years’ War between England and France. The speech is delivered by King Henry V to his troops on the morning of the battle, which occurred on October 25, 1415. The key points of the speech, as well as the historical context, can be summarized as follows:

1. Historical Context:
   • The Hundred Years’ War: The Hundred Years’ War was a long-running conflict between England and France that lasted from 1337 to 1453. It was primarily a dynastic struggle for control of the French throne, with various battles and campaigns occurring throughout the period.
2. The St. Crispin’s Day Speech:
   • Rallying the Troops: Henry V’s speech is delivered to boost the morale of his English troops, who are vastly outnumbered by the French. The English soldiers are weary, and many are suffering from illness and exhaustion.
   • Fellowship and Unity: The speech emphasizes the idea of brotherhood and the bond that will be formed between those who fight together. Henry encourages his men to see themselves as part of a noble band of brothers.
   • Historical and Cultural References: The speech references the feast day of Saint Crispin, which falls on October 25th, the day of the battle. It’s used to imbue the battle with a sense of historic significance and to inspire the soldiers to remember this day.
   • Immortality Through Valor: Henry V tells his troops that those who fight with him on this day will be remembered and honored forever. He argues that their deeds on the battlefield will make their names and their actions legendary.
   • Personal Responsibility: The speech encourages individual soldiers to take responsibility for their own courage and honor. Henry suggests that he would rather have a few men with true valor than many who are absent from fear.
3. Impact:
   • The St. Crispin’s Day speech is often seen as a powerful example of leadership and inspirational oratory. It has been quoted and referenced in various forms in popular culture and is remembered for its call to action and its ability to unite a disparate and discouraged group of soldiers.
4. Shakespeare’s Interpretation:
   • Shakespeare’s version of the speech may not accurately reflect the historical King Henry V’s words, but it captures the essence of leadership, bravery, and camaraderie. Shakespeare’s portrayal of Henry as a charismatic and inspirational leader is one of the enduring images of the historical figure.

In essence, Henry V’s St. Crispin’s Day speech is a call to arms, urging his outnumbered and disheartened troops to find strength in unity, embrace their roles as part of a larger historical narrative, and to summon their courage and honor. It’s a testament to the power of leadership and the ability of inspiring words to motivate people, even in dire circumstances.

Also on Oct 25 was the infamous Charge of the Light Brigade at the Battle of Balaclava. Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem about the disaster is still one of the best poems about military history.
Read it here on The Poetry Foundation.

This is part of my Readings In History series. Where I try to collect resources from historical events and pop culture to talk about and discuss in my classes. To see more of these entries click here.