Henry V With Ann Curry Analysis

Transforming and Exceeding Expectations Anne Curry appears to grade Henry V with an I, because she seems to emphasize the idea of transformation that occurs in Henry throughout the text while also prompting the reader to question the possibilities that might have come along in history had Henry’s life been prolonged. Curry demonstrates that Henry was more than a man of the times, because he acted unpredictably while continually learning to harness different skills, through which he then became a smart military leader and effective ruler. His impatient youth gained humility and his strategy within the political and military field became gradually perceptive. As a king who built himself a new reputation and made two countries of people come
Instead of glossing over these sections of his life to just paint him as a perfect king, the author demonstrates rough interpersonal relationships and overreaching political moves that got him pushed aside, leaving subjects to question his future kingship. Additionally, she mentions moments that could have been points of learning in relations to trust and political treaties. 6 However, in no way is there denial that Henry was certainly speculated to have been an “ill-spent youth,” and therefore, leaves that prospect
Chapter 2 as a whole appears to demonstrate the ideal monarch qualities at first, but then shifts as the author mentions Henry’s problems with reputation aboard- “the dauphin’s sending of the tennis balls…shows the view the French had of Henry as an unimpressive and unseasoned military leader”7- and at home with the Southampton Plot- “there were still areas of weakness, even close at home.” 8 As Curry portrays Henry as man evolving over the course of his life, she supports this by giving slight nudges to these instances, because Henry will eventually become a greatly respected military leader and beloved