Literature

Shakespeare’s ‘Henry V’ and the Qualities of a Great Leader

A kingly character exhibits traits we could all learn from, even centuries later.
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Shakespeare’s ‘Henry V’ and the Qualities of a Great Leader
"Henry V Discovering the Conspirators," by Henry Fuseli. Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon, England. Public Domain
Walker Larson
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More than one critic has argued that in “Henry V,” William Shakespeare presents his ideal version of a king.

“‘Henry V’ is ... a dramatization of what makes for excellence in a good king,” wrote Shakespeare scholar Gideon Rappaport in his excellent book “Appreciating Shakespeare.” “In Henry, Shakespeare’s ideal king, we find virtue, justice, self-knowledge, wit, the power to inspire his followers, and humility before God.”

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Walker Larson
Walker Larson
Author
Before becoming a freelance journalist and culture writer, Walker Larson taught literature and history at a private academy in Wisconsin, where he resides with his wife and daughter. He holds a master’s in English literature and language, and his writing has appeared in The Hemingway Review, Intellectual Takeout, and his Substack, The Hazelnut. He is also the author of two novels, “Hologram” and “Song of Spheres.”