King Henry V prepares to invade France to claim the English throne, setting off a campaign defined by political maneuvering and the brutal realities of warfare. Driven by a desire to solidify his legitimacy and unify his kingdom, Henry leads his troops across the English Channel to face the French army. He must navigate the logistical challenges of a depleted military, the skepticism of his peers, and the moral weight of his command. The narrative unfolds through a series of dramatic speeches and battlefield encounters that test the resolve of both the monarch and his soldiers. The play utilizes a chorus to frame the action, bridging the gap between the limitations of the stage and the scale of the historical events depicted.

Discussion often centers on the ambiguity of Henry's character, with critics debating whether he represents an ideal monarch or a ruthless pragmatist. Readers frequently highlight the effectiveness of the play's speeches, particularly the St. Crispin's Day oration, in building atmosphere and tension. The balance between the grand scale of the military conflict and the intimate moments of character development remains a primary focus for scholars. Many analyses examine how the play reflects the shifting political climate of the Elizabethan era through its portrayal of national unity and foreign conquest. The work continues to generate debate regarding its glorification of war versus its acknowledgment of the human cost of conflict.