Henry V is certainly not a drama "of few words." It's a sprawling study of a good yet complex king, a tumultuous time in European history, and an examination of justice and mercy. The 20-page guide to the play provides instructors with a detailed synopsis, historical background information, before, during, and after reading activities, an anticipation guide, and project ideas related to the play's themes—a great resource for any study of the play.

Concepts

william shakespeare, british history, dramatic plays, character foil, critical thinking, the war of the roses, the hundred years war

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Instructional Ideas

• After a study of the play, show the highly rated Kenneth Branagh film version (5 stars from Rotten Tomatoes)

Classroom Considerations

• Most appropriate for scholars familiar with Shakespeare's plays 
• Use after class members have studied Henry IV, I and Henry IV, II
• As a cross-curricular project, coordinate with a study of the same period of European history

Pros

• The guide also provides passages from the play to use as prompts for reader response journals

Cons

• None

Common Core

RL.11-12.10a RL.11-12.10b