Henry V
Comments(3) Henry V begins in a very different way from the previous 5 plays we’ve read: there is a prologue to the play (type of introduction), and a Chorus, that marks the beginning of each act. The use of Chorus dates back to the times of the Ancient Greeks, who, in their dramas, used a group of people to comment on the action, or in some cases, interact directly with the characters. Why might Shakespeare have decided to use a prologue in Henry V, and not, say, Richard II, or any of the previous plays for that matter? What about a Chorus? So far, the use of the Chorus in Henry V, can only be compared with Puck’s speech at the end of Midsummer; they both communicate directly to the audience. Does the use of these theatrical mediums have something to do with the resonance of Henry V with the people of the time? Is their inclusion an artistic or practical choice?
The chorus gives Henry V a grand presentation to the audience; a fore warning of what’s to come and he also matches the dialogue of the chorus and that of Henry V both match the grand use of words and exaggerated use of language which I believe Shakespeare used to capture the essence of the characters in the eye of the audience.
I think, by including chorus in the play Shakespeare is conveying the mood: majestic and pompous and sets us to expect that the events presented in the play are of great importance, that is why they need to be introduced by a third party. The only thing I am still confused about is why in some instances the chorus misrepresents the actual location? Is there any hidden meaning to that trick?
In mid summer night’s dream Shakespeare hinted at the lack of the dramatic interpretation of the audiences when the rude mechanicals decided it is necessary to explain that Pyramus is not Pyramus and the lion is not a lion. They also went to extreme measures to represent the wall instead of employing the imagination of the audience. Since theatre going was popular in this era the audience should at least know that they should not take for granted what they see; as well as be able to use their imagination when necessary. However, it seems in this play Shakespeare seemingly is in doubts of the imaginative ability of the audiences.
However in Henry V the opposite is the case where he is inciting the imagination of the audiences by the use of the chorus. Now in answering the question posed as to whether the use of the chorus has to do with the resonance of Henry V with the people of the time; I definitely think so. One of the reasons I think so is because of the positive and likeable manner in which Henry V was portrayed. It seems like Shakespeare used the chorus so that he does not misrepresent aspects of the play due to the limitations of the theatre especially since it seems like Henry V was a celebrated character with the audiences.
There are numerous reports that Henry V was the first play to be performed at the Globe theatre so the chorus may have been used to instill a sense of pomp and grandeur to this, the first play staged at the theatre.