Michael on Henry's speech (3.3)

A more wondrous’r calleth to arms hath yet to be deliv’r’d by any man! (Michael Davison)

(The Siege of Harfleur – Painting by Graham Turner)

Henry V spends a copious amount of time proving his oratory prowess will not be outdone. Whether his speeches are passionate, heartfelt truths or useless bloviation is irrelevant due to his powerful delivery. Once more unto the breach is delivered as Henry’s army is laying siege to Harfleur. After a mildly successful siege Henry uses this speech to encourage his men to finish the job. However Once more is only one of the numerous lengthy speeches that Henry delivers. Many of those speeches also share common themes. Themes include but are not limited to bravery, honor, strength, and the ability to overcome odds. The St Crispin’s Day speech, delivered to the troops prior to the battle of Agincourt, is an attempt to bolster their resolve. Here Henry uses honor as the carrot while using dishonor as the stick.

 ..The fewer men, the greater share of honor. 4.3.25 (overcoming odds)

But if it be a sin to covet honor,
I am the most offending soul alive. 4.3.31-32 (honor)

And dishonor in Unto the Breach:

Dishonour not your mothers; now attest
That those whom you call'd fathers did beget you. 3.1.23-24 (courage)

Henry is imploring his men with these words. He hopes that by appealing to their desire to serve him as well as their desire to prove their own masculinity, he can achieve victory.

.but when the blast of war blows in our ears,
Then imitate the action of the tiger;
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood,
Disguise fair nature with hard-favour'd rage.. 3.1.6-9 (courage)

And

and teach them how to war. And you, good yeoman,
Whose limbs were made in England, show us here
The mettle of your pasture; let us swear
That you are worth your breeding; which I doubt not. 3.1.26-31 (strength)

Henry also uses vivid imagery as a means of encouragement, explaining just how fierce he believes his men to be.

 Then lend the eye a terrible aspect,
Let it pry through the portage of the head
Like the brass cannon, let the brow o’erwhelm it
As fearfully as doth a gallèd rock
O’erhang and jutty his confounded base
Swilled with the wild and wasteful ocean.
Now set the teeth, and stretch the nostril wide,
Hold hard the breath, and bend up every spirit
To his full height. 3.1.10-18 (strength)

Henry’s battle cry has the desired effect as his men rally around him with defiant cries. Regardless of the dire situation the men find themselves in, they still take stock in what Henry says. The speeches give the men the necessary courage and instill a sense of honor and bravery which ultimately leads to Henry’s success on the battlefield.