Henry V
Lesson plans and teaching ideas

From Harfleur to Agincourt: Envisioning War Through Text and Subtext in Henry V
Students examine scenes from the play to determine ideas and opinions that inform the text. A teacher-written lesson plan posted at the Folger Library.

Henry V
Based on the Brannagh video, this site includes a viewing guide, discussion questions, the literary context, and more.

Henry V
This unit incorporates history, Shakespeare, the Olivier production, and the Branaugh production. Students examine the influences that shape how a story is told.

Henry V
Background, including discussion of Salic Law, more.

Henry V: Study Questions
Eight upper-level discussion questions.

The Ironies of Success in Politics: Introduction to Shakespeare's Henry V
This lecture provides background information.

"Once more unto the breach ..."
Designed for teaching Shakespeare to hearing-impaired students, this approach can work with any teens reading below grade level. Includes discussion questions and suggestions for making the play accessible to everyone. Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Review of Henry V
James Agee reviews the Olivier production. First published in Time magazine in 1946.

"Step aside, I'll show thee a president": George W as Henry V?
This article from 2003 presents an engaging analysis of efforts to compare President George W. Bush to Henry V.

A Teacher's Guide to the Signet Classic edition of William Shakespeare's Henry V
This comprehensive guide includes a synopsis, prereading and postreading activities, discussion questions, suggestions for group projects, and suggestions for related reading. Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader or equivalent application.

Teaching Shakespeare, Act I-V
A variety of suggestions for approaching all the plays, not just Henry V.

Shakespeare's Wars Meet Star Wars
This strategy encourages students to find common elements in film clips as a means to become more engaged in the text. Handout included; Adobe Acrobat Reader or compatible application required to access the handout.

"We few, we happy few": Motivational Speech in Henry V
Students examine Henry's "Saint Crispin's Day" speech as a piece of motivational literature, to gain insight into the character of Henry, and to discover what is involved in writing and delivering a motivational speech. A teacher-written lesson plan posted at the Folger Library.