ROSALIND: And why, I pray you? Who might be your mother,
That you insult, exult, and all at once,
Over the wretched? What though you have no beauty,--
As by my faith, I see no more in you
Than without candle may go dark to bed,--
Rosalind Scolds Phoebe — As You Like It
Disguised as the youth Ganymede, Rosalind delivers a sharp-witted rebuke to the shepherdess Phoebe for her cruel treatment of the devoted Silvius. She humbles Phoebe's vanity by critiquing her appearance and urges her to accept a good man's love while she has the chance.
Format: Monologue · Genre: Classical · Source: As You Like It · Author: William Shakespeare · Characters: Rosalind
About This Scene
This monologue features Rosalind, disguised as Ganymede, delivering a powerful and unexpected rebuke to Phoebe. Rosalind, observing Phoebe's cruel rejection of the enamored Silvius, steps in to scold her for her vanity and dismissive attitude. Through clever wit and sharp observation, Rosalind challenges Phoebe's self-perception and urges her to reconsider her actions, offering a pragmatic perspective on love and acceptance.
Character Analysis
Rosalind, though disguised, exhibits her characteristic intelligence, quick wit, and strong sense of justice in this scene. Her choice to intervene reveals a compassionate side, coupled with a bold directness as she confronts Phoebe's vanity head-on. She is observant and articulate, expertly dissecting Phoebe's flaws while also displaying a worldly understanding of human nature and relationships. This monologue showcases Rosalind's ability to command a situation and use language as a precise and potent weapon.
Why This Works for Auditions
This monologue is an excellent choice for auditions as it immediately highlights an actor's command of classical text and their ability to portray a strong, authoritative character. It offers significant opportunities for varied emotional expression, from intellectual dissection to a more impassioned scolding. The powerful tone and Rosalind's layered persona allow an actor to demonstrate range within a single piece, making a memorable impression on casting directors.
Best Suited For
This piece is particularly well-suited for actors in the 18-25 age range, especially those aiming for leading lady or ingenue roles with an intense, charming edge. It is ideal for drama school auditions, agent showcases, or competitions where a strong classical showing is desired. Actors who can master Shakespearean verse while conveying complex emotions will shine here, demonstrating both wit and depth.
Performance Tips
When approaching this monologue, focus on Rosalind's disguised persona as Ganymede, using the male disguise to inform her boldness and directness. Pay close attention to Shakespeare's verse, ensuring clarity and understanding of every word to fully land Rosalind's sharp critiques. Explore the underlying compassion in Rosalind's rebuke, as she ultimately wants Phoebe to see sense, rather than simply intending to be cruel. Emphasize the shifts in tone, moving from intellectual observation to more direct, exasperated advice, while maintaining Rosalind's inherent intelligence throughout.