Monologue

Gloucester Monologue from King Lear

From King Lear by William Shakespeare

male · anguished · 1:07 min

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(Reads.) ‘This policy and reverence of age makes the world bitter to the best of our times; keeps our fortunes from us till our oldness cannot relish them. I begin to find an idle and fond bondage in the oppression of aged tyranny; who sways not as it hath power, but as it is suffered. Come to me, that of this I may speak more. If our father would sleep till I waked him, you should enjoy half his revenue for ever, and live the beloved of your brother EDGAR.’ Hum! Conspiracy? ‘Sleep till I wake him, you should enjoy half his revenue.’—My son Edgar! Had he a hand to write this? A heart and brain to breed it in? When came this to you? Who brought it?

About this piece

Gloucester grapples with feelings of betrayal and confusion regarding his sons, especially in light of a conspiracy that threatens his understanding of loyalty and family.

60 and up · confusion · betrayal · power · family · madness

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