Shakespeare's Monologues
Shakespeare's Monologues
Portia is the wife of Brutus, one of Julius Caesar's trusted comrades. She is a devoted wife who cares tremendously about her husband. She is intelligent and assertive in her marriage, not shying away from conversations just to fit into standard gender roles.
Brutus is an intimate of Julius Caesar and plays an active role in the political climate of Rome. He is a dignified leader that cares about the rightful use of power and noble authority.
Portia's husband Brutus is a longtime partner of political figure Julius Caesar. Brutus fears for the fate of the republic and of the people if Julius Caesar were to continue his reign. Having fielded numerous letters from concerned citizens regarding Caesar's rule, Brutus has been in conversation with conspirers to end Caesar's life. Portia enters after the conspirers have left Brutus's and her home, and immediately shows concern regarding the mental state of her husband due to the stress he is under.
Character description, monologue synopsis, and monologue scoring provided by Anna Chichester as a part of the Spring 2019 THT352 class.
Nor for yours neither. You've ungently, Brutus,
Stole from my bed: and yesternight, at supper,
You suddenly arose, and walk'd about,
Musing and sighing, with your arms across,
And when I ask'd you what the matter was,
You stared upon me with ungentle looks;
I urged you further; then you scratch'd your head,
And too impatiently stamp'd with your foot;
Yet I insisted, yet you answer'd not,
But, with an angry wafture of your hand,
Gave sign for me to leave you: so I did;
Fearing to strengthen that impatience
Which seem'd too much enkindled, and withal
Hoping it was but an effect of humour,
Which sometime hath his hour with every man.
It will not let you eat, nor talk, nor sleep,
And could it work so much upon your shape
As it hath much prevail'd on your condition,
I should not know you, Brutus. Dear my lord,
Make me acquainted with your cause of grief.
| Number of Syllables | Scored Text | Meaning of Beat |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Nor for yours neither. You've ungently, Brutus, | Beginning of Beat 1; to show concern |
| 10 | Stole from my bed: and yesternight, at supper, | ; |
| 10 | You suddenly arose, and walk'd about, | ; |
| 10 | Musing and sighing, with your arms across, | ; |
| 10 | And when I ask'd you what the matter was, | ; |
| 8 | You stared upon me with ungentle looks; |
; |
| 10 | I urged you further; then you scratch'd your head, | ; |
| 10 | And too impatiently stamp'd with your foot; | ; |
| 10 | Yet I insisted, yet you answer'd not, | ; |
| 10 | But, with an angry wafture of your hand, | ; |
| 10 | Gave sign for me to leave you: so I did; | ; |
| 10 | Fearing to strengthen that impatience | ; |
| 10 | Which seem'd too much enkindled, and withal | ; |
| 10 | Hoping it was but an effect of humour, | ; |
| 10 | Which sometime hath his hour with every man. | End of Beat 1 |
| 10 | It will not let you eat, nor talk, nor sleep, | Beginning of Beat 2; to observe |
| 10 | And could it work so much upon your shape | ; |
| 10 | As it hath much prevail'd on your condition, | End of Beat 2 |
| 10 | I should not know you, Brutus. Dear my lord, | Beginning of Beat 3; to plead |
| 10 | Make me acquainted with your cause of grief. | End of Beat 3 |
;
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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