We had a discussion about this, and many of my classmates concluded that Henry V was Machiavellian (doing what he needed to to gain/keep power, willing to pretend to be religious/honorable/whatever for that reason). According to that reading, all of his allusions to Scripture, record of his prayers, kindness to subjects/people he conquers, are all schemes to gain affection and power. "Mirror of all Christian kings" could be read as mirror image (i.e., opposite).
I started the debate on the other side (I liked the fellow and it was my first reading of Henry V), but by the end I think I was somewhat convinced by them. :)
Cervantes, a contemporary of Shakespeare, describes Don Quixote as the "mirror of chivalry" which, in the case of DQ, could definitely be a sarcastic reference.
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We had a discussion about this, and many of my classmates concluded that Henry V was Machiavellian (doing what he needed to to gain/keep power, willing to pretend to be religious/honorable/whatever for that reason). According to that reading, all of his allusions to Scripture, record of his prayers, kindness to subjects/people he conquers, are all schemes to gain affection and power. "Mirror of all Christian kings" could be read as mirror image (i.e., opposite).
I started the debate on the other side (I liked the fellow and it was my first reading of Henry V), but by the end I think I was somewhat convinced by them. :)
Cervantes, a contemporary of Shakespeare, describes Don Quixote as the "mirror of chivalry" which, in the case of DQ, could definitely be a sarcastic reference.
Hmmm...both interesting thoughts. Thanks you!
Once I dig myself out of the reorganization of my room I really want to think through this some more.
Thanks!
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