HER: The wild bee reels from bough to bough
With his furry coat and his gauzy wing,
Now in a lily-cup, and now
Setting a jacinth bell a-swing,
In his wandering;
The Farewell — Humanitad — Humanitad
A woman reflects on the end of a passionate relationship, using vivid natural imagery to reconcile the beauty of their past with the necessity of their parting. She urges her lover to accept that their individual paths—her beauty and his art—require them to exist in separate worlds.
Format: Monologue · Genre: Classical · Source: Humanitad · Author: Oscar Wilde · Characters: Her
About This Scene
This monologue, "The Farewell" from Oscar Wilde's Humanitad, offers a poignant exploration of a relationship's end. The character, Her, reflects on a passionate past while articulating the inevitable separation using rich, evocative natural imagery. She grapples with the beauty of what was and the necessity of moving forward, acknowledging that their individual destinies—her beauty and his art—demand separate existences.
Character Analysis
"Her" is a deeply vulnerable and reflective character, navigating the pain of farewell with a profound sense of acceptance and a touch of melancholy. She possesses a sophisticated command of language, using vivid metaphors from nature to convey her internal state and the trajectory of their love. Her tone is gentle yet firm, hinting at an inner strength despite her apparent sorrow. She is acutely aware of the artistic and romantic ideals that once bound them, now recognizing that these very ideals necessitate their parting.
Why This Works for Auditions
This monologue is an excellent choice for auditions as it showcases a wide emotional range within a classical framework. The lyrical language and rich imagery provide ample opportunity for an actor to demonstrate vocal control, emotional nuance, and depth of character. Its classical origin allows for a refined performance, while the universal theme of love and loss resonates deeply, making it accessible to a contemporary audience.
Best Suited For
This piece is ideally suited for female actors aged 18-25 who embody "Leading Lady," "Ingenue," "Romantic Lead," or "Vulnerable" casting types. It’s perfect for drama school auditions, agent showcases, or general practice for those looking to expand their classical repertoire. Actors who excel at conveying profound emotion with elegance and a strong grasp of heightened language will find this monologue particularly impactful.
Performance Tips
When approaching "The Farewell," focus on the ebb and flow of the language, allowing the natural imagery to inform your vocal rhythm and emotional expression. Pay close attention to Wilde's deliberate word choices and the underlying vulnerability. Resist the urge to over-dramatize, instead finding the quiet strength and acceptance within the character's farewell. Imagine the person you are speaking to, allowing their presence to subtly influence your performance, even though it is a monologue.