Monologue

Portia Monologue from The Merchant of Venice

From The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare

female · comedic · 1:16 min

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They shall, Nerissa, but in such a habit That they shall think we are accomplished With that we lack. I’ll hold thee any wager, When we are both accoutered like young men, I’ll prove the prettier fellow of the two, And wear my dagger with the braver grace, And speak between the change of man and boy With a reed voice; and turn two mincing steps Into a manly stride; and speak of frays Like a fine bragging youth; and tell quaint lies How honourable ladies sought my love, Which I denying, they fell sick and died; I could not do withal. Then I’ll repent, And wish for all that, that I had not kill’d them. And twenty of these puny lies I’ll tell, That men shall swear I have discontinued school About a twelvemonth. I have within my mind A thousand raw tricks of these bragging Jacks, Which I will practise.

About this piece

Portia and Nerissa are preparing to disguise themselves as men to navigate the challenges ahead, showcasing Portia's cleverness and ambition in a light-hearted manner.

20s · anticipation · identity · deception · ambition · gender roles

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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.

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