Monologue

Lear Monologue from King Lear

From King Lear by William Shakespeare

male · defiant · 1:17 min

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What, fifty of my followers at a clap? Within a fortnight? (ALBANY: What’s the matter, sir?) I’ll tell thee. (To Goneril.) Life and death! I am asham’d That thou hast power to shake my manhood thus; That these hot tears, which break from me perforce, Should make thee worth them. Blasts and fogs upon thee! Th’untented woundings of a father’s curse Pierce every sense about thee! Old fond eyes, Beweep this cause again, I’ll pluck ye out, And cast you with the waters that you lose To temper clay. Ha! Let it be so. I have another daughter, Who, I am sure, is kind and comfortable: When she shall hear this of thee, with her nails She’ll flay thy wolvish visage. Thou shalt find That I’ll resume the shape which thou dost think I have cast off for ever. (Exeunt Lear, Kent and Attendants.)

About this piece

King Lear confronts his daughter Goneril after feeling betrayed and humiliated, expressing his deep anger and sorrow over her actions.

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

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