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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. King Henry hesitates to go to war with France because he is afraid what group will seize the opportunity to invade?

2. What justification does Henry give for his soldiers to wreak havoc if Harfleur does not surrender?

3. Who is NOT one of the "three corrupted men" the chorus says has conspired with France?

4. To which ancient notable military leader does Henry compare the fathers of his men?

5. What does Alice tell Katherine when she pronounces "neck" as "nick" and "chin" as "sin"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the kind of rhetorical appeals Henry uses to persuade his army to be persistent in their attack on Harfleur.

2. The chorus cites one of England's weaknesses that the French are using to their advantage. What is the weakness and how does France plan to use it in its favor?

3. What is the governor of Harfleur's response to Henry's demands and what is his explanation for his decision?

4. Why does the boy want to quit working for Bardolph, Nym, and Pistol? Be sure to provide examples.

5. What message does Exeter deliver to the French court, especially concerning the king of France and the Dauphin?

6. Describe the English lesson that Alice gives Katherine. What is the subject of the lesson and how successful is it?

7. What does Henry tell the governor of Harfleur will happen to the people of his city if they do not surrender immediately?

8. Why does the chorus have an apologetic tone concerning the play?

9. Why is the constable confounded that the English are better warriors than the French?

10. King Henry tells his uncle, Exeter, to free a man who had railed against him while intoxicated. What is Scroop, Cambridge, and Grey's response to this pardon and what is the significance of their response?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Shakespeare's "The Life of King Henry the Fifth" is a work of fiction based upon a historical event. Many of the characters and situations presented in the novel are based on factual information, but many others are entirely fabrications. Discuss whether you think works like Henry the Fifth help us to understand historical events better or if pure historical accounts alone are sufficient. You may want to discuss whether historical fiction has a place in a history class or if it belongs only in a literature course.

Essay Topic 2

Consider the role of friendship in the play. Which characters seem to have genuine friendships, which do not, and why? Does class seem to affect friendships?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss agricultural metaphors in the play, especially as they pertain to Henry's transformation from wild prince to respected king.

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