Shakespearean monologues are soliloquies delivered by a character in a play, usually expressing their inner thoughts and feelings. These monologues have become a staple of theater and literature, and are known for their beauty, depth, and complexity.
One of the most famous Shakespearean monologues is Hamlet's "To be or not to be" soliloquy, in which the character muses on the nature of existence and whether it is better to live or to die. This monologue is notable for its philosophical depth and for its exploration of the human condition.
Another famous Shakespearean monologue is Juliet's "Romeo, Romeo" soliloquy from Romeo and Juliet, in which she laments the fact that her family is feuding with Romeo's and that they are forbidden from being together. This monologue is notable for its emotional intensity and for its expression of love and longing.
Shakespeare's monologues are also known for their use of figurative language and poetic devices, such as metaphor and imagery. In Macbeth's "Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow" monologue, he reflects on the meaningless and fleeting nature of life, using imagery and metaphor to convey his despair.
In addition to their literary and artistic value, Shakespearean monologues are also commonly used in acting and theater training, as they provide actors with an opportunity to explore a character's inner thoughts and emotions and to develop their skills in language, vocal delivery, and physical expression.
Overall, Shakespearean monologues are a testament to the enduring power of language and the human experience, and their enduring popularity is a testament to their timeless appeal.
Shakespeare Monologues
Oh, do not wish one more! He that hangs himself is a virgin; virginity murthers itself, and should be buried in highways out of all sanctified limit, as a desperate offendress against nature. Should all despair That have revolted wives, the tenth of mankind Would hang themselves. These striking lines feature prominently in Richard III. Come, talk not of her. O judgment, thou art fled to brutish beasts And men have lost their reason.
She would have made Hercules have turned spit, yea, and have cleft his club to make the fire too. For bounty, that makes gods, does still mar men. He utilizes various sexual puns throughout the conversation which add to the comedy of the piece. It is the east, and Juliet is the sun. Now, sit, this staff is my sister; for, look you, she is as white as a lily, and as small as a wand. Parolles answers with this discourse. Can this be true? It is an easy monologue for lovesick teenage boys to understand.
10 of the Best Shakespearean Monologues for Men : PerformerStuff More Good Stuff
This monologue is a hysterical profession of love and adoration in the face of stern rejection. Except I be by Silvia in the night, There is no music in the nightingale. You all did love him once, not without cause: What cause withholds you then, to mourn for him? The shallowest thickskin of that barren sort, Who Pyramus presented in their sport, Forsook his scene and entered in a brake. I may chance have some odd quirks and remnants of wit broken on me because I have railed so long against marriage, but doth not the appetite alter? Let me not, Since I have my dukedom got And pardoned the deceiver, dwell In this bare island by your spell; But release me from my bands With the help of your good hands. All the kind of the Launces have this very fault. Hear it not, Duncan; for it is a knell That summons thee to heaven or to hell.
Well, I will love, write, sigh, pray, sue, groan: Some men must love my lady, and some Joan. Here I stand your slave, A poor, infirm, weak, and despised old man. Do you marry him! I fly not death to fly his deadly doom: Tarry I here, I but attend on death; But fly I hence, I fly away from life. Ophelia has no one else to talk to—her brother is gone, her father is using her for political purposes, Hamlet has just said some devastating things to her—so she talks to the audience in a soliloquy. If it will feed nothing else, it will feed my revenge.
If you want to get more help with a specific monologue check out the link below… Learn more: How to Select the Perfect Shakespeare Monologue Remember to always pick a monologue that you have a natural connection with. This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man. Egeus: Full of vexation come I, with complaint Against my child, my daughter Hermia. Then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel And shining morning face, creeping like snail Unwillingly to school. I never gave you kingdom, called you children; You owe me no subscription. This list includes over 50 of greatest Shakespeare monologues, and selecting the right one for you can be tough.
My Favourite 1 Minute Shakespeare Monologues — Shakespeare with Sarah
Depending on how one reads this passage, it may or may not come across as genuine. Fed with the same food, hurt with the same weapons, subject to the same diseases, healed by the same means, warmed and cooled by the same winter and summer, as a Christian is? He has just given the clown Costard a letter to deliver to her, declaring his passion. O, fie, fie, fie! Valentine intends to woo and marry Silvia, but after Proteus meets her, he devises a plot to steal her from Valentine. I do spy some marks of love in her. Why brand they us With base? Not casting directors if it suits you! Go, play, boy, play.
O wretched state, O bosom black as death, O limed soul that struggling to be free Art more engaged. Redeem thy brother By yielding up thy body to my will; Or else he must not only die the death, But thy unkindness shall his death draw out To lingering sufferance. Love is a familiar; Love is a devil: there is no evil angel but Love. Her eye discourses; I will answer it. If you prick us, do we not bleed? In this scene, Cressida finally admits her love for Troilus, who then asks her why it took such a long time to win her over.
Read the play here 2. And wise, but for loving me; by my troth, it is no addition to her wit, nor no great argument of her folly, for I will be horribly in love with her! You all did love him once, not without cause: What cause withholds you then, to mourn for him? I would not marry her though she were endowed with all that Adam had left him before he transgressed. This hat is Nan, our maid. Come, let me clutch thee. She handles it with grace and strength.
And I to sigh for her, to watch for her, To pray for her! Assist me, some extemporal god of rhyme, for I am sure I shall turn sonnet. Just to make it easier to follow. Just prior to this monologue, Hal has been berated by his father for being a stain on the family honor. Full breakdown of Orlando: As I remember, Adam, it was upon this fashion bequeathed me by will but poor a thousand crowns, and, as thou sayst, charged my brother on his blessing to breed me well; and there begins my sadness. The most critical scenes are punctuated by unforgettable speeches, dwelling on consequences, fate, and death. In the end, he begs her to reconsider.
