Persuasive Language in Henry V

(a) Act III, Scene 1, Lines 1-35

Henry is making this speech in an attempt to persuade his troops and get them motivated to fight the war.

Henry uses a lot of strong metaphors and imagery to get his message across in a convincing manner, particularly associated with nature. For example when Henry says “I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips, Straining upon the start” (L31-32), he is using animal imagery to compare the soldiers to greyhounds, pounding to start the war. Henry also creates the image of rough waves breaking upon a calm headland in the sea, just like the battle about to break out. “As fearfully as doth a galled rock O’erhang and jutty his confounded base, Swilled with the wild and wasteful ocean.” (L12-14)

By using persuasive language, Henry is trying to elevate the troops and give them the will to fight. When he tells them that “For there is none of you so mean and base That hath not noble lustre in your eyes” ...