Will Shakespeare confides his desperate love for Viola to her male alter-ego, Thomas Kent, while traveling by boat. Viola, disguised as Thomas, tests the depth of Will's devotion and questions whether love can truly bridge the gap between their social classes. The scene culminates in a passionate declaration of love's power over rank and a sudden, revealing physical moment.
WILL: She tells me to keep away. She is to marry Lord Wessex. What should I do?
VIOLA AS THOMAS: If you love her, you must do what she asks.
WILL: And break her heart and mine?
VIOLA AS THOMAS: It is only yours you can know.
WILL: She loves me, Thomas!
VIOLA AS THOMAS: Does she say so?
WILL: No. And
Create a free account to explore more
Upgrade to Pro for full access — £6.99/month
Director's Notes
Explore More
Want expert coaching on this scene?
Browse our curated list of acting coaches, dialect specialists, and more.
Need representation?
Browse verified agents and casting directors in our directory.
How well does this scene match you?
Save your casting profile to see match scores on every scene.
Try Headshot AnalyserGo Pro
£6.99/mo
- ✓ Unlimited scene reading
- ✓ PDF downloads
- ✓ Director's Notes
- ✓ Headshot Analyser
- ✓ Cover Letter Generator
- ✓ Practice Mode
- ✓ Agent Connect
- + 1,000+ scenes
More from Shakespeare in Love
The Queen's Wager
from Shakespeare in Love
During a royal gala, Viola is summoned by Queen Elizabeth, leading to a public debate about whether the theater can capture the true nature of love. Will Shakespeare impulsively enters a fifty-pound wager against Lord Wessex, while the Queen privately warns Wessex that Viola has already given her heart to another.
The Truth of Love and Death
from Shakespeare in Love
Will Shakespeare pitches the tragic conclusion of his new play to his skeptical but intrigued acting company. As he describes the double suicide of the star-crossed lovers, he shares an intense, unspoken moment of connection with Viola, who is disguised as a male actor.
The Poet's Block
from Shakespeare in Love
A struggling young William Shakespeare seeks the help of Dr. Moth to diagnose his severe writer's block. Will laments the loss of his poetic inspiration and sexual potency, while the doctor attempts to find a psychological connection between Will's failing marriage and his inability to write.
Viola's Vision of Love
from Shakespeare in Love
Viola expresses her deep dissatisfaction with the superficiality of courtly life and the limitations placed on women in the theater. She confides in her Nurse, articulating a passionate desire for a transformative, 'ungovernable' love and a life filled with poetry and adventure.
Similar Scenes
10 Things I Hate About You - Drunk Confessions
from 10 Things I Hate About You
Following a party, Kat and Patrick share a rare moment of vulnerability as Kat recovers from being drunk. They move past their usual defensive bickering to acknowledge a genuine mutual respect and growing attraction.
Jesse's Breakup Story
from Before Sunrise
Jesse opens up to Celine about the real reason he is traveling through Europe, revealing a painful and humiliating breakup with his girlfriend in Madrid. He reflects on the inherent selfishness of love and the stinging realization of how easily one can be forgotten by a former partner.
AAML: Diamond and Pearl version
from Zatch Bell!
Ash finally confesses his long-standing feelings to Misty, reflecting on their years of travel and shared history. The scene captures a pivotal romantic breakthrough where both characters move past their usual bickering to embrace a future together.
The Diary and Reconciliation
from Twenty Five Twenty One
After a painful breakup and time apart, Hee Do and Yi Jin reunite when he returns her lost diary. They confront the misunderstandings and emotional burdens that drove them apart, ultimately seeking reconciliation and a promise to find happiness together despite life's hardships.