The Impact of Shakespeare's Henry V

One of the main ideas in this podcast episode is the impact of Shakespeare's Henry V on the speaker. The speaker recalls their first introduction to Shakespeare through a cinema screening of Henry V with Laurence Olivier. Despite the complicated language, the speaker found the play sensational and beautiful, particularly highlighting the music by William Walton. The speaker remembers being captivated by the character of Prince Hal, as well as the comedic figure of Falstaff. The speaker later learned that Shakespeare based Falstaff on a historical figure called Sir John Old Castle, who was a lollard and a pre-reformation person. This discussion reflects on the portrayal of Old Castle in the play and the shift in perception from buffoon to potential martyr.