CLEOPATRA: Give me my robe, put on my crown; I have
Immortal longings in me. Now no more
The juice of Egypt's grape shall moist this lip.
Yare, yare, good Iras; quick — methinks I hear
Antony call; I see him rouse himself
Cleopatra's Immortal Longings — Antony and Cleopatra
Cleopatra prepares for her ritualistic suicide to avoid being paraded through Rome as Caesar's captive. She dons her royal robes and crown, envisioning a reunion with Antony in the afterlife while applying a venomous asp to her breast. The scene captures her final transition from a defeated queen to a figure of 'fire and air.'
Format: Monologue · Genre: Tragedy · Source: Antony and Cleopatra · Author: William Shakespeare · Characters: Cleopatra
About This Scene
This powerful monologue captures Cleopatra's resolute decision to take her own life rather than suffer the indignity of Roman captivity. As she prepares for death, she dons her royal regalia, transforming a moment of defeat into one of defiance and spiritual triumph. The scene vividly portrays her final thoughts and actions, culminating in a transcendent reunion with Antony in her imagination.
Character Analysis
Cleopatra in this moment is a character of immense complexity, embodying defiance, passion, and profound grief. She is deeply mourning Antony, yet simultaneously fueled by a fierce pride that forbids her subjugation. Her 'immortal longings' speak to a desire for an afterlife where she will be reunited with her lover, elevated beyond earthly suffering. She moves from a practical preparation for death to an almost hallucinatory state, ultimately achieving a heroic dignity through her final act.
Why This Works for Auditions
This monologue is a fantastic choice for auditions due to its dramatic weight and the profound emotional journey it showcases. It allows an actor to demonstrate a wide range of emotions—grief, defiance, passion, and ultimately, a serene acceptance—within a relatively short timeframe. The classical language, though challenging, offers a superb opportunity to display vocal dexterity and a deep understanding of heightened text.
Best Suited For
This scene is particularly well-suited for actors aiming for leading lady roles, especially those with a flair for dramatic intensity and sophisticated character work. It's an excellent piece for drama school auditions, where showcasing an ability to handle classical tragedy with depth and nuance is paramount. Actresses in the 30-50 age range will find this a particularly fitting and impactful piece to demonstrate their abilities.
Performance Tips
Approach this monologue by first grounding yourself in Cleopatra's absolute refusal to be Caesar's prisoner; this provides the core of her defiance. Allow the language to guide your physical and vocal choices, finding the rhythm and heightened emotion within Shakespeare's verse. Explore the transition from the practical actions of dressing to the almost spiritual transcendence as she imagines Antony and applies the asp, ensuring each beat of her emotional journey is clear and compelling.