Montjoy
Montjoy is a herald, or royal messenger, of the French King in William Shakespeare's play Henry V. His job is to convey the King of France (King Charles VI )'s messages, including the constable's harsh message to King Henry. However, he conveys them in such a polite and respectable way that King Henry thinks on him favourably; an example of this can be seen when King Henry tips him when he has conveyed a message.
Role in the play
Montjoy first appears in Act III, scene VI of the play to convey the King of France( King Charles VI )'s messages to King Henry V. King of France thought that English troops defeat if France's rush to the battlefield because English has not enough strength of an army than France, so he let him ask the King of England what he is willing to pay us to get out of the war.
In the second act Montjoy appears in Act IV, Scene III in the English Camp. He delivered the constable of France's messages to King Henry. Montjoy changed the message of harsh language to polite language. France's constable ordered unconditional attack to English army, but Montjoy summoned to surrender in a polite way. After he conveyed the message, he said, "I shall, King Harry. And so fare thee well. Thou never shalt hear herald anymore." However, Henry predicted that he will come to Henry again for king of France's ransom.
In the final act, Montjoy briefly appears in Act IV, Scene VII in the another part of the field. He capitulated to English enemy, saying that "I come to thee for charitable license. The day is yours." He finally admitted France's defeat.
Adaptations
In Henry V (1989), directed by and starring Kenneth Branagh, Montjoy is portrayed by Christopher Ravenscroft. In this film, Montjoy also appears in Act I, Scene II, as one of the French ambassadors who delivers the condescending gift of tennis balls on behalf of the Dauphin, Louis, Duke of Guyenne.
References
External links
- Speeches (Lines) for Montjoy in "Henry V", OpenSourceShakespeare