A few days ago
Anonymous

Henry V Shakespeare help pleease!!?

Does anyone know what the line ‘For there is none of you so mean and base’ In Shakespeare’s Henry V means?

Any help is much appreciated! =D

Top 1 Answers
A few days ago
MrsBaker

Favorite Answer

In his speech, Henry also uses two other inspirational tactics. First, he invokes English patriotism, calling upon “you, good yeomen, / Whose limbs were made in England,” to “show us here / The mettle of your pasture; let us swear / That you are worth your breeding” (III.i.25–28). Henry’s exploitation of patriotism is a two-part process: he exalts all things English and then compels his soldiers to prove that they are worthy Englishmen. In so doing, and in reminding his men of their warlike ancestors and great historical battles, he attempts to rouse nationalist fervor among his men and a sense of pride in them about their glorious heritage. ****Second, Henry takes a nontraditional democratic stance, expressing an egalitarian view of soldiering by saying that every soldier is as good as a nobleman: “For there is none of you so mean and base / That hath not noble lustre in your eyes” (III.i.29–30). With these words, Henry endows his men with an elevated stature, which he hopes will compel them to act in an elevated manner.*****
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