Monologue

First Watch Monologue from Coriolanus

From Coriolanus by William Shakespeare

any · defiant · 1:05 min

Rehearse this freeFind more monologues
You are a Roman, are you? (MENENIUS: I am, as thy general is.) Then you should hate Rome as he does. Can you, when you have pushed out your gates the very defender of them, and, in a violent popular ignorance given your enemy your shield, think to front his revenges with the easy groans of old women, the virginal palms of your daughters, or with the palsied intercession of such a decayed dotant as you seem to be? Can you think to blow out the intended fire your city is ready to flame in with such weak breath as this? No, you are deceived. Therefore back to Rome and prepare for your execution. You are condemned. Our general has sworn you out of reprieve and pardon.

About this piece

The First Watch confronts a condemned individual, expressing outrage over their betrayal of Rome and the consequences of their actions in a tense and charged atmosphere.

30s · anger · betrayal · power · revenge · honor

Rehearse First Watch's monologue

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.

Rehearse freeStart rehearsing

More from Coriolanus

Browse