Monologue

Don John Monologue from Much Ado About Nothing

From Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare

male · defiant · 56 sec

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I had rather be a canker in a hedge than a rose in his grace; and it better fits my blood to be disdained of all than to fashion a carriage to rob love from any: in this, though I cannot be said to be a flattering honest man, it must not be denied but I am a plain-dealing villain. I am trusted with a muzzle and enfranchised with a clog; therefore I have decreed not to sing in my cage. If I had my mouth, I would bite; if I had my liberty, I would do my liking: in the meantime, let me be that I am, and seek not to alter me.

About this piece

Don John expresses his disdain for societal expectations and his desire to remain true to his villainous nature, rejecting the idea of conforming to the norms of love and acceptance.

20s · anger · identity · betrayal · isolation · revenge

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