Monologue

Jaques Monologue from As You Like It

From As You Like It by William Shakespeare

male · philosophical · 1:16 min

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Why, who cries out on pride That can therein tax any private party? Doth it not flow as hugely as the sea Till that the weary very means do ebb? What woman in the city do I name When that I say the city-woman bears The cost of princes on unworthy shoulders? Who can come in and say that I mean her, When such a one as she, such is her neighbour? Or what is he of basest function That says his bravery is not on my cost, Thinking that I mean him, but therein suits His folly to the mettle of my speech? There then. How then, what then? Let me see wherein My tongue hath wronged him. If it do him right, Then he hath wronged himself. If he be free, Why then my taxing like a wild-goose flies Unclaimed of any man. But who comes here?

About this piece

Jaques reflects on the nature of pride and social status, questioning the implications of his words as he prepares to confront Orlando, who enters with a sword drawn.

30s · confusion · identity · power · social criticism · individuality

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