Working on a Shakespeare monologue? Here’s our database of Shakespearean monologues that we’ve broken down, translated and explained. We’ve done all the hard work for you!
Get stuck into many of Shakespeare’s iconic monologues and learn how to truly bring them to life. These pages are all broken down by professional actors, who in many cases have played the roles. The monologues unpacked team includes Damien Strouthos, Jess Tovey and Andrew Hearle.
Benvolio, ever the peacekeeper, must explain why the Prince’s own cousin, Mercutio and Tybalt both lie dead in the streets of Verona. Prince Escalus has forbidden fighting in Verona between the Capulets and Montagues, threatening...
Prince Escalus storms into the first scene of Romeo and Juliet to discover that the ancient feud between the Capulets and Montagues has once again flared up into a violent brawl in the town square....
Early in the play, Brutus and Cassius and left alone by Caesar and his followers. Long time companions of Caesar, Brutus and Cassius discuss their fears around Julius Caesar becoming Emperor, which would overthrow the...
In the opening moment of The Merchant of Venice, we learn that Antonio is sad, and even he doesn’t know why. Enter his friends, Bassanio, Gratiano and Lorenzo. Gratiano, seeing how changed Antonio has become...
In the opening scene of the play, Egeus arrives to appeal to the Duke of Athens, Theseus. Egeus wants his daughter, Hermia, to marry Demetrius. Hermia is obstinately refusing as she is madly love with...
In Venice, Othello and Desdemona have married in secret, much to the agitation of Desdemona’s father. Othello, a general employed by the Venetian state, is then sent to Cyprus to defend it against the threat...
Context of the Monologue Alone, Iago reveals to the audience his plot to get even with Othello using Roderigo and Michael Cassio. Prior to this, we learn Iago is Othello’s confidant and ensign, or standard...
This is the first of Hamlet’s 7 soliloquies and our initial glimpse inside the psyche of this troubled man. Dramaturgically this monologue serves to reveal Hamlet’s melancholy, and the root of his suffering. Here we...
After being insulted by the French Prince Dauphin, Henry V and his army invade France. We find ourselves in the heat of the first battle of Henry’s campaign at Harfleur in northern France. Henry, Exeter,...
Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s great tragedies, full of murder and madness. The play is set in Scotland and follows the downfall of army General and hero Macbeth. After meeting three witches who prophesise his...
