Monologue

Edgar Monologue from King Lear

From King Lear by William Shakespeare

male · contemplative · 55 sec

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When we our betters see bearing our woes, We scarcely think our miseries our foes. Who alone suffers, suffers most i’ the mind, Leaving free things and happy shows behind: But then the mind much sufferance doth o’erskip When grief hath mates, and bearing fellowship. How light and portable my pain seems now, When that which makes me bend makes the King bow; He childed as I fathered! Tom, away! Mark the high noises; and thyself bewray, When false opinion, whose wrong thoughts defile thee, In thy just proof repeals and reconciles thee. What will hap more tonight, safe ’scape the King! Lurk, lurk. (Exit.)

About this piece

Edgar reflects on the nature of suffering and the shared burdens of humanity, contemplating his own pain in the context of King Lear's downfall.

20s · melancholy · suffering · identity · power · isolation

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