Henry V · Chapter
Scene IV explained
Princess Katherine takes a French-to-English language lesson with her attendant Alice, learning the names of body parts.
What happens
Princess Katherine takes a French-to-English language lesson with her attendant Alice, learning the names of body parts. She practices pronunciation and expresses concern over words that sound improper in French, before concluding the lesson.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This scene is the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of King Henry’s mor…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Language and Communication
The entire scene is a language lesson, highlighting the barriers and efforts to bridge communication between the English and French, as well as the comic misunderstandings that arise from translation.
Characters to notice
- Princess Katherine
Katherine diligently learns English words for body parts from Alice, showing both enthusiasm and modesty about certain terms.
- Alice
Alice patiently instructs Katherine in English pronunciation and vocabulary, correcting her gently and praising her progress.
Key passages
“Comment appelez-vous la main en Anglois?”
What do you call the hand in English?
Katherine begins her English lesson by asking for the word for 'hand'.
“De foot et de coun! O Seigneur Dieu! ce sont mots de son mauvais, corruptible, gros, et impudique, et non pour les dames d'honneur d'user”
'Foot' and 'gown'! Oh Lord God! These are words of bad sound, corrupt, gross, and immodest, and not for ladies of honor to use.
Katherine is shocked to discover that the English words for 'foot' and 'gown' sound like vulgar French words, showing her sensitivity to propriety.
