Read this guided excerpt from the prologue of Shakespeare’s play Henry V, in which King Henry V is referred to as Harry.
"A kingdom for a stage, princes to act
And monarchs to behold the swelling scene!"
The "kingdom" represents a stage, and the "princes" are the actors who will perform on the stage. The "monarchs" are the audience who come to watch the performance.
"Then should the warlike Harry, like himself,
Assume the port of Mars;
Shakespeare introduces King Henry V, suggesting that he take on the role or appearance of Mars, the Roman god of war.
and at his heels,
Leash'd in like hounds, should famine, sword and fire
Crouch for employment."
If King Henry V were to assume the role of Mars, then hunger, war, and destruction would be released like dogs and ready to do his bidding like servants.
Which best describes the purpose of this prologue excerpt?
It predicts what will happen to King Henry V at the end.
It states the conflict that occurs at the end of the play.
It introduces the characters of King Henry V's enemies.
It builds suspense about the war in the play.