Critical AppraisalKing Henry Act 3 Scene 1 (Once more unto the breach)

Critical Appraisal


King Henry Act 3 Scene 1 (Once more unto the breach)


Once more unto the breach is a famous speech whereby Henry remarkably revives a legion of sick and tired troops to go into battle one last time. This speech gives great insight into Henry’s character and determination as he uses all of his oratorical skills to rally his troops. This includes his change in tone, his intention, feelings and sense as well as other literary techniques such as extended metaphor, imagery, rhythm and juxtaposition.

King Henry gives this speech at Hafleur where he has been trying to take the town by siege. Battle after battle he fails to break their defences while his troops become waker and weaker. Winter is approaching, his men are loosing hope and it seems increasingly less likely they will ever be able to take the town. As the chances of success grow dim, King Henry gathers the troops and pleads to their nobility, honour, pride and friendship to go into battle ‘once mo...