Monologue

Kent Monologue from King Lear

From King Lear by William Shakespeare

male · defiant · 1:08 min

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My lord, when at their home I did commend your highness’ letters to them, Ere I was risen from the place that show’d My duty kneeling, came there a reeking post, Stew’d in his haste, half breathless, panting forth From Goneril his mistress salutations; Deliver’d letters, spite of intermission, Which presently they read; on those contents, They summon’d up their meiny, straight took horse; Commanded me to follow and attend The leisure of their answer; gave me cold looks: And meeting here the other messenger, Whose welcome I perceiv’d had poison’d mine, Being the very fellow which of late Display’d so saucily against your highness, Having more man than wit about me, drew; He rais’d the house with loud and coward cries. Your son and daughter found this trespass worth The shame which here it suffers.

About this piece

Kent expresses his frustration and anger over the betrayal he has witnessed from Goneril and the treatment he received as a messenger, highlighting the tension and conflict within the royal family.

40s · anger · betrayal · power · family · honor

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