The concept of journey embraces the notions of place, movement and time (Board of Studies). The concept of journey has been further classified into “concepts” of journey, ‘imaginative’, ‘physical’ and ‘inner’ journeys. These notions of journey have been denoted and represented through the intelligent work of William Shakespeare in King Henry V, and in the ingenious film by Ang Lee ‘The Life of Pi’. American novelist and poet, Don Williams Jr, once wrote “our lessons in life come from the journey, not the destination” Portraying the idea that the obstacles, jaunts and voyages in life teaches humanity of their knowledge. This idea is proven through the journeys that are depicted in ‘King Henry V’ and in the film ‘The Life of Pi’ and how the characters learn from these journeys. ‘King Henry V’ is one of William Shakespeare’s great history plays. It’s a patriotic story of how King Henry seeks justice for his rightful crown of France and is aimed at showing his maturity and development as the King of England despite his young age. The play is based on the reality that occurred between 1413 and 1422 in England, where Henry V had to encounter the French and show his maturity and readiness to be King of England and France. ‘The Life of Pi’ is a motion picture in 2012 by Ang Lee about a young man who survives a disaster at sea and is careered into an epic journey of adventure and discovery. While at sea he forms an amazing and unexpected connection with another survivor a fearsome Bengal tiger.
A physical journey refers to a change of location or developmental growth. It involves difficult experiences, danger and obstacles. William Shakespeare cleverly and effectively displays a physical journey in the historical play ‘King Henry V’. Shakespeare denotes the concept of physical journey in King Henry V through the voyage that Henry embarked and his surmount of the French. The main physical journey is Henry’s trip to France and the obstacles he faces along with it. In Act 2 scene 4 (pg140-145), Exeter apprised to the French King that Henry has made way to France “for he is footed in this land already”. Henry’s journey continues and faces events and hindrances that present a physical journey.
Furthermore, the battle of ‘Harfleur’ takes part in Act 3 scene 1-3 where King Henry and his forces overcome ‘Harfleur’ and progress further on their voyage. Shakespeare takes the story to new dimensions where he intelligently incorporates an emotional physical journey. In Act 4 scene 3 King Henry and his forces are about to take part in the battle of Agincourt, he enthuses the soldiers, he inspires them “From this day to the ending of the world, But we in it shall be remembered- We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blood with me, Shall be my brother; be he ne’er so vile”. The use of hyperbole, where Henry emphasises on the importance of this battle claiming it will be remembered “to the ending of the world”. Heartened by Henry’s words, the English whom are outnumbered significantly move in positions and partake in a physical battle in Agincourt. Henry learns much from this journey, one of which being maturity. Henry had to face many events on his road to victory where he had to stay composed and strong to prove his worthiness to his soldiers and the French and revenue victory for his country. He also acquired how to stay calm in crisis, before the battle one of Henry's commanders said in regret and fear, "If only we had some of the thousands of men in England who aren't working today!" Henry replied "Don't you know that the Lord with these few can overthrow the pride of the French?" Henry is showing his ability to remain composed, telling the soldier, even if you have difficulties with your church, salvage your assurance in God and can beat the ‘pride of the French’.

The notion of physical journey is also explored in the scintillating work by Ang Lee in the award winning film, ‘The Life of Pi’. Pi,