Monologue

Antonio Monologue from Twelfth Night

From Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare

male · defiant · 1:18 min

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Orsino, noble sir, Be pleased that I shake off these names you give me: Antonio never yet was thief or pirate, Though, I confess, on base and ground enough, Orsino’s enemy. A witchcraft drew me hither: That most ingrateful boy there by your side From the rude sea’s enraged and foamy mouth Did I redeem; a wreck past hope he was. His life I gave him, and did thereto add My love, without retention or restraint, All his in dedication. For his sake Did I expose myself, pure for his love, Into the danger of this adverse town; Drew to defend him when he was beset; Where being apprehended, his false cunning (Not meaning to partake with me in danger) Taught him to face me out of his acquaintance, And grew a twenty years’ removed thing While one would wink; denied me mine own purse, Which I had recommended to his use Not half an hour before.

About this piece

Antonio confronts Orsino, expressing his feelings of betrayal and anger over the treatment he received from the young man he saved and loved, revealing the complexities of loyalty and affection.

30s · anger · betrayal · love · redemption · identity

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