1. Henry V: Assessment

Assessment: How does King Henry use language techniques to persuade his frightened troops to go into battle?

rhetoric

once more, once more

• Repetition - one last time
• 'Dear friends' - no hierarchy
• Repeating reinforces the message

or close the wall up...

• A warning.
• Conjunction 'or' is used
• 'or': usually another option
• DEATH = only alternative

the action of the tiger...

• Animal imagery
• Tiger is wild/powerful
• Soldiers as predators
• Masculine image

fair nature/hard...rage

• Contrasting images 'fair' vs 'rage'
• Flattering the men
• Camouflage/disguise yourself
• Commands men to look angry

wild and wasteful ocean

• Alliteration
• Natural Imagery
• Imagery of wild rage
• The men should be forces of nature

on, on you noblest english

• Direct address - pronoun = 'you'
• Repetition echoes first line
• Noble = princes, kings
• English blood is royal and important
• There's no difference between you and I

dishonour not your mothers

• Instruction
• Henry uses commands - leader
• Appeals to love of family
• Shames the men

greyhounds in the slips

• Simile
• Animal Imagery
• Slips = leather harnesses
• Men are like dogs ready to race
• Henry will 'let them loose'

the game's afoot

• The hunt is on!
• Imagery of the greyhound chase
• The men are bloodthirsty

harry, England, and st. george!

• Patriotic Imagery
• Rule of Three
• You love your country, don't you?
• St. George = dragon killer.

2. Henry V: Assessment

Assessment: How does King Henry use language techniques to persuade his frightened troops to go into battle?

Henry wanted to transform his terrified men into bloodthirsty soldiers using a speech.

1. INTRODUCE TECHNIQUE:

At the opening of the Harfleur monologue, King Henry uses repetition.

2. EXACT QUOTATION:

"Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more"

3. EXPLAIN THE MEANING:

Henry encourages his men to go and fight where there is a gap in the fortress wall one final time.

4. EXPLAIN WHY THE LANGUAGE TECHNIQUE HAS BEEN CHOSEN:

Henry balances 'once more' at the beginning and end of the line. He uses repetition to reinforce that this is the final chance for the troops.

4. EXTENSION
Another technique in this line is Henry's address of 'dear friends'. Even though Henry is much more important as King and Commander, he describes the troops as close friends and equals to flatter and encourage them to support his mission.

Good luck

Learning milestone