Shakespeare's Monologues
Shakespeare's Monologues
Beatrice is the niece of Leonato, wealthy governor of Messina, and cousin to Hero, whom she is very close to. Beatrice sharp-tongued, witty, cynical, and confident. Though she appears rough around the edges, she can also be very vulnerable and sensitive. Beatrice has so far turned down every suitor that has come her way, stating she will not marry any man who is not an equal partner to herself, refusing to be with an inferior, controlling husband, Beatrice has an ongoing war with Benedick, a soldier, and lord. They are constantly at a battle of wits, always trying to outdo one another with quick and hurtful remarks. It is hinted that the two may have had a previous relationship, but when it fell through, the two began their loathing for one another. When Beatrice overhears a conversation between Hero and another woman about Benedick being in love with her, she quickly renounces her pride in being unmarried and realizes she may too love Benedick. Beatrice is fiercely loyal, showing this when Claudio humiliates Hero at their alter for speculations of being unfaithful, Beatrice explodes with rage at Claudio and all of society for the mistreatment and inequality of women. Beatrice is a great example of strong female characters in Shakespeare.
Just like Don Pedro, Leonato, and Claudio tricked Benedick into thinking Beatrice loves him, Hero and Ursula, plot to do the same to Beatrice. Beatrice hides in the arbor so Hero and Ursula seemingly cannot see her and listens in on their conversation. Hero and Ursula discuss about how Benedick is in love with Beatrice and how they could never be together because Beatrice will only ever mock Benedick, not love him. After the two women leave, Beatrice comes out from her hiding spot and is in disbelief of what she has just heard. She quickly realizes it would not be so bad for her to be with Benedick and retracts all her vows to be unmarried and proud, and promises to be kind to Benedick from now on so they can love each other and finally be together.
-Condemned, adj. Pronounced to be at fault or guilty; lying under condemnation.
-Scorn, n. An object of mockery or contempt.
-Contempt, n. The action of contemning or despising; the holding or treating as of little account, or as vile and worthless; the mental attitude in which a thing is so considered.
- Adieu, v. transitive. To say ‘adieu’ to; to take leave of. Also in extended use.
-Requite, v. To repay or reward (a person) for a service, kindness, etc.; to return a favour to (a person).
-Incite, v. transitive. To urge or spur on; to stir up, animate, instigate, stimulate. Const. to do something; to or unto some action.
-Reportingly, adv. According to report or rumour; reportedly.
Character description, monologue synopsis, and monologue scoring provided by Dominique Baker-Lanning as part of the Spring 2019 THT 352 class.
| Number of syllables | Scored Text | Meaning of beat |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | What fire is in mine ears? Can this be true? | [Beginning of beat 1] To wonder |
| 10 | Stand I condemn'd for pride and scorn so much? | [End of beat 1] |
| 10 |
Contempt, farewell! and maiden pride, adieu! |
[Beginning of beat 2] To declare |
| 10 | No glory lives behind the back of such. |
[End of beat 2] |
| 11 | And, Benedick, love on; I will requite thee, | [Beginning of beat 3] To embrace, to love |
| 11 | Taming my wild heart to thy loving hand: | |
| 11 | If thou dost love, my kindness shall incite thee | |
| 10 | To bind our loves up in a holy band; | [End of beat 3] |
| 10 | For others say thou dost deserve, and I | [Beginning of beat 4] To reassure, to proclaim |
| 10 | Believe it better than reportingly. | [End of beat 4 and monologue] |
Definitions from David & Ben Crystal / Shakespeare's Words are under copyright, and may not be used without their express permission. All other definitions are from sources in the public domain.
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