Monologue

First Player Monologue from Hamlet

From Hamlet by William Shakespeare

any · dramatic · 55 sec

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Run barefoot up and down, threat’ning the flames With bisson rheum. A clout upon that head Where late the diadem stood, and for a robe, About her lank and all o’erteemed loins, A blanket, in th’alarm of fear caught up— Who this had seen, with tongue in venom steep’d, ’Gainst Fortune’s state would treason have pronounc’d. But if the gods themselves did see her then, When she saw Pyrrhus make malicious sport In mincing with his sword her husband’s limbs, The instant burst of clamour that she made,— Unless things mortal move them not at all,— Would have made milch the burning eyes of heaven, And passion in the gods.

About this piece

The First Player recounts a tragic scene of violence and betrayal, evoking deep emotions and reflecting on the power of fate and the gods' indifference to human suffering.

any · anger · revenge · death · betrayal · fate

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Run it out loud with a spotlight that follows your voice, line by line, until it's off the page. Free to start, no credit card.

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