Monologue

Lear Monologue from King Lear

From King Lear by William Shakespeare

male · dark · 1:02 min

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It may be so, my lord. Hear, nature, hear; dear goddess, hear! Suspend thy purpose, if thou didst intend To make this creature fruitful! Into her womb convey sterility! Dry up in her the organs of increase; And from her derogate body never spring A babe to honour her! If she must teem, Create her child of spleen, that it may live And be a thwart disnatur’d torment to her! Let it stamp wrinkles in her brow of youth; With cadent tears fret channels in her cheeks; Turn all her mother’s pains and benefits To laughter and contempt; that she may feel How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is To have a thankless child! Away, away! (Exit.)

About this piece

King Lear, in a moment of intense emotional turmoil, curses his daughter for her perceived ingratitude, expressing a deep sense of betrayal and anguish over familial bonds.

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

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