Overview
Show
Character
Gender
Female
Playing Age
Adult
Style
Dramatic
Act/Scene
Act 1, Scene 2
Time & Place
A private apartment in the Duchess's palace in Amalfi, Italy, during the seventeenth century.
Length
Short
Time Period
Classical
Show Type
Play
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Context
The Duchess is speaking directly to her steward,
to read the context for this monologue from The Duchess of Malfi and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Text
I would have you lead your fortune by the hand,
Unto your marriage bed.
(You speak in me this, for we now are one)
We’ll only lie, and talk together, and plot
T’appease my humorous kindred; and if you please,
Like the old tale, in “Alexander and Lodowick”,
Lay a naked sword between us, keep us chaste:-
Oh, let me shroud my blushes in your bosom,
Since ‘tis the treasury of all my secrets.
John Webster, The Duchess of Malfi, Act 1, Scene 2 ll.429-435.
Performance Tips
- Lean into the reversal of traditional power
Emotional Beat Breakdown
1. The Bold Proposition
- What shifts:
Links
Related Learning Modules
More Monologues
All monologues are the property and copyright of their owners.
Monologues are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only.