Monologue

Gloucester Monologue from King Lear

From King Lear by William Shakespeare

male · anguished · 56 sec

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I am tied to the stake, and I must stand the course. (REGAN: Wherefore to Dover, sir?) Because I would not see thy cruel nails Pluck out his poor old eyes; nor thy fierce sister In his anointed flesh stick boarish fangs. The sea, with such a storm as his bare head In hell-black night endur’d, would have buoy’d up, And quench’d the stelled fires; Yet, poor old heart, he holp the heavens to rain. If wolves had at thy gate howl’d that stern time, Thou shouldst have said, ‘Good porter, turn the key.’ All cruels else subscrib’d: but I shall see The winged vengeance overtake such children.

About this piece

Gloucester expresses his deep anguish and fury over the cruel treatment of his son, reflecting on the violence and betrayal that has unfolded within his family.

60 and up · anger · betrayal · family · revenge · suffering

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