Monologue

Bottom Monologue from A Midsummer Night's Dream

From A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare

male · comedic · 54 sec

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Nay, you must name his name, and half his face must be seen through the lion’s neck; and he himself must speak through, saying thus, or to the same defect: ‘Ladies,’ or, ‘Fair ladies, I would wish you,’ or, ‘I would request you,’ or, ’I would entreat you, not to fear, not to tremble: my life for yours. If you think I come hither as a lion, it were pity of my life. No, I am no such thing; I am a man as other men are’: and there, indeed, let him name his name, and tell them plainly he is Snug the joiner.

About this piece

Bottom is instructing his fellow actors on how to present their roles in a play, emphasizing the need for clarity and humor in their performance to alleviate the audience's fears.

20s · anticipation · identity · performance · fear · comedy

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