Monologue

Leontes Monologue from The Winter's Tale

From The Winter's Tale by William Shakespeare

male · anguished · 2:00 min

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Nor night nor day no rest: it is but weakness To bear the matter thus, mere weakness. If The cause were not in being,—part o’ th’ cause, She th’ adultress; for the harlot king Is quite beyond mine arm, out of the blank And level of my brain, plot-proof. But she I can hook to me. Say that she were gone, Given to the fire, a moiety of my rest Might come to me again. Who’s there? (FIRST ATTENDANT: My lord.) How does the boy? (FIRST ATTENDANT: He took good rest tonight; ’Tis hop’d his sickness is discharg’d.) To see his nobleness, Conceiving the dishonour of his mother. He straight declin’d, droop’d, took it deeply, Fasten’d and fix’d the shame on’t in himself, Threw off his spirit, his appetite, his sleep, And downright languish’d. Leave me solely: go, See how he fares. (Exit First Attendant.) Fie, fie! no thought of him. The very thought of my revenges that way Recoil upon me: in himself too mighty, And in his parties, his alliance. Let him be, Until a time may serve. For present vengeance, Take it on her. Camillo and Polixenes Laugh at me; make their pastime at my sorrow: They should not laugh if I could reach them, nor Shall she, within my power. Enter Paulina carrying a baby, with Antigonus, lords and servants.

About this piece

Leontes grapples with overwhelming jealousy and suspicion regarding his wife's fidelity, feeling both powerless and tormented by his emotions.

30s · despair · jealousy · betrayal · madness · isolation

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