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monologue
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Rosalind Scolds Phoebe

from As You Like It

Written by William Shakespeare

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.

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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,--

Must you be therefore proud and pitiless?

Why, what means this? Why do

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CharactersRosalind
Duration2 min
Age Range18-25
GenderFemale
GenreClassical
PeriodClassical
Formatmonologue
SourceAs You Like It
Tonepowerful
Accentnull
Suitable Fordrama school audition, agent showcase, competition, general practice
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