Summary

Act V opens with the prologue. The Chorus enters and urges the audience to imagine Henry’s triumphant return to Rome with all the people applauding his victory. Henry then returns to France.

Scene I of Act V is in “France. The English camp.” Gower asks Fluellen why he is wearing a leek, a tradition usually observed only on Saint Davy’s day, which is already passed. Fluellen says Pistol had given him bread and salt the previous day and told Fluellen he should eat the leek. Fluellen says he wasn’t in a position to fight with Pistol the previous day and is awaiting the chance now. Gower points out that Pistol is arriving and that he is “swelling like a turkey-cock.” Fluellen yells at Pistol and tells him to eat the leek, but Pistol refuses. Fluellen hits Pistol multiple times and...