Monologue

Martius Monologue from Coriolanus

From Coriolanus by William Shakespeare

male · defiant · 1:20 min

Rehearse this freeFind more monologues
They are dissolved. Hang ’em! They said they were an-hungry, sighed forth proverbs That hunger broke stone walls, that dogs must eat, That meat was made for mouths, that the gods sent not Corn for the rich men only. With these shreds They vented their complainings, which being answered And a petition granted them—a strange one, To break the heart of generosity And make bold power look pale—they threw their caps As they would hang them on the horns o’ th’ moon, Shouting their emulation. (MENENIUS: What is granted them?) Five tribunes to defend their vulgar wisdoms, Of their own choice. One’s Junius Brutus, Sicinius Velutus, and I know not. ’Sdeath! The rabble should have first unroofed the city Ere so prevailed with me. It will in time Win upon power and throw forth greater themes For insurrection’s arguing. (MENENIUS: This is strange.) Go get you home, you fragments. Enter a Messenger hastily.

About this piece

Martius expresses his disdain for the common people's complaints and their perceived ingratitude after receiving aid, highlighting the tension between the ruling class and the masses.

30s · anger · power · generosity · betrayal · class struggle

Rehearse Martius's monologue

Run it out loud with a spotlight that follows your voice, line by line, until it's off the page. Free to start, no credit card.

Rehearse freeStart rehearsing

More from Coriolanus