Monologue

Gaunt Monologue from Richard II

From Richard II by William Shakespeare

male · philosophical · 1:15 min

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All places that the eye of heaven visits Are to a wise man ports and happy havens. Teach thy necessity to reason thus: There is no virtue like necessity. Think not the King did banish thee, But thou the King. Woe doth the heavier sit Where it perceives it is but faintly borne. Go, say I sent thee forth to purchase honour, And not the King exiled thee; or suppose Devouring pestilence hangs in our air, And thou art flying to a fresher clime. Look what thy soul holds dear, imagine it To lie that way thou goest, not whence thou com’st. Suppose the singing birds musicians, The grass whereon thou tread’st the presence strewed, The flowers fair ladies, and thy steps no more Than a delightful measure or a dance; For gnarling sorrow hath less power to bite The man that mocks at it and sets it light.

About this piece

Gaunt reflects on the nature of exile and the necessity of finding honor in difficult circumstances, encouraging the banished character to view their situation with a hopeful perspective.

50s · hope · honor · fate · freedom · isolation

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