Episode 38 - Henry V

Henry V is one of Shakespeare's grandest and most legendary plays, partly because it depicts the stunning historical victories of one of England's greatest kings, but also because Shakespeare skillfully weaves so many universal themes into the events of this play. From masculinity and warfare and what makes a great king to death and the loyalty of friends, Shakespeare takes what is essentially nothing more than a grand war-filled saga and imbues it with depth and meaning that the siege of Harfleur or the Battle of Agincourt don't hold on their own. The end result is a complex story that glorifies war at the same time that it calls it into question, in that way that it seems only great literature can do. ** Mea culpa: It's not Emma Thompson but Kristen Scott Thomas in the episode of Fleabag referenced by Lindsay in this episode. Blame the cold medicine, and watch that scene here: Kristin Scott Thomas’s epic speech on Fleabag Notes: - Greek Chorus - Henry V history: Here are a few of the videos we watched and found interesting as we did our research and which we wanted to share with you:  NETFLIX's "The King" vs The True Story of King Henry V via Flick Connection Discovery Knowledge: Henry V arrowhead removal Brows Held High: Shakespeare, Film and Kenneth Branagh - Encyclopedia Britannica entry about Salic Law - "Simply Symbolic: First Words of Katherine of Valois"