Henry V: Lesson 2: Review Questions: Question 10

Just before an attack, Henry tells his troops to "... imitate the action of a tiger: Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood, disguise fair nature with hard-favored rage, then lend the eye a terrible aspect...", and so on. He's basically telling his men to be fierce and threatening, perhaps trying to boost morale, or make it seem as if his army is more powerful then it actually is. Or perhaps, he's just trying to frighten the enemy into surrendering in order to win the battle without spilling a single drop of blood! This seems like a "sound Christian advice"; after all, no one is hurt, just a peaceful surrender. However, this is a classic example of "The End Justifies the Means" philosophy, something that's definitely not Christ-approved. In fact, this command to inspire fear in the French is just the opposite! I believe that Henry was war-crazed and thirsty for blood. This speech was simply given to inspire his troops and instill in them the same blood lust that came upon Henry.