Monologue

Julia Monologue from The Rivals

From The Rivals by Richard Brinsley Sheridan

female · defiant · 2:19 min

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Hold, Faulkland!--that you are free from a crime, which I before feared to name, Heaven knows how sincerely I rejoice! These are tears of thankfulness for that! But that your cruel doubts should have urged you to an imposition that has wrung my heart, gives me now a pang more keen than I can express! (FAULKLAND: By Heavens! Julia----) Yet hear me,--My father loved you, Faulkland! and you preserved the life that tender parent gave me; in his presence I pledged my hand--joyfully pledged it--where before I had given my heart. When, soon after, I lost that parent, it seemed to me that Providence had, in Faulkland, shown me whither to transfer without a pause, my grateful duty, as well as my affection; hence I have been content to bear from you what pride and delicacy would have forbid me from another. I will not upbraid you, by repeating how you have trifled with my sincerity ---- (FAULKLAND: I confess it all! yet hear----) After such a year of trial, I might have flattered myself that I should not have been insulted with a new probation of my sincerity, as cruel as unnecessary! I now see it is not in your nature to be content or confident in love. With this conviction--I never will be yours. While I had hopes that my persevering attention, and unreproaching kindness, might in time reform your temper, I should have been happy to have gained a dearer influence over you; but I will not furnish you with a licensed power to keep alive an incorrigible fault, at the expense of one who never would contend with you.

About this piece

Julia confronts her lover about his inability to be faithful and expresses her resolve to end their relationship, highlighting her emotional turmoil and strength.

20s · determination · love · betrayal · identity · power

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