Question

This day is called the feast of Crispian: He that outlives this day, and comes safe home, Will stand a tip-toe when the day is named, And rouse him at the name of Crispian. He that shall live this day, and see old age, Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours, And say 'To-morrow is Saint Crispian:' Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars. And say 'These wounds I had on Crispin's day.' Old men forget: yet all shall be forgot, But he'll remember with advantages What feats he did that day: then shall our names. Familiar in his mouth as household words Harry the king, Bedford and Exeter, Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester, Be in their flowing cups freshly remember'd. This story shall the good man teach his son; And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by, From this day to the ending of the world, But we in it shall be remember'd; We few, we happy few, we band of brothers

Answer 1

The provided passage is from Shakespeare's play 'Henry V' and contains the famous St. Crispin's Day speech, where King Henry V rouses his troops before the Battle of Agincourt. It emphasizes themes of camaraderie, honor, and remembrance, and illustrates the use of persuasive rhetoric in literature.

Step-by-step explanation:

The passage provided is excerpted from William Shakespeare's play Henry V, specifically from the St. Crispin's Day speech, which King Henry delivered before the Battle of Agincourt. This stirring oration is one of Shakespeare's most famous and is used to rally the English troops against overwhelming French forces. The speech plays upon themes of camaraderie, honor, and the enduring memory of heroic deeds, suggesting that those who fight valiantly will be remembered from that day until the end of the world as part of a "band of brothers".

In literature, such speeches are crucial for understanding character development and plot dynamics. They demonstrate the power of rhetoric to persuade and motivate, and they epitomize the human desire for glory and the fear of being forgotten. The reference to St. Crispin's Day associates the battle with the feast of Saints Crispin and Crispinian, creating a sense of historical and spiritual significance. This excerpt not only provides rich material for analyzing Shakespeare's use of language but also offers a glimpse into the values and culture of the Elizabethan era in which it was written.

Using the themes present in the speech, students can explore notions of identity, memory, and collective unity in the face of adversity. By examining this text, learners can gain insight into the historical context of the play, as well as the universal human experiences and emotions that continue to resonate with audiences today.