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.
WILL: Words, words, words . . . once, I had the gift . . . I could make love out of words as a potter makes cups out of clay . . . love that overthrows empires, love that binds two hearts together come hellfire and brimstone . . . for sixpence a line, I could cause a riot in a nunnery . . . but now . . .
DR. MOTH: And yet you tell me you lie with women?
WILL: Aye, now and again, but what of it? I have lost my gift.
DR. MOTH: I am here to help you. Tell me in your own words.
WILL: It's as if my quill is broken. As if the organ of the imagination has dried up. As if the proud tower of my genius has collapsed.
Create a free account to explore more
Upgrade to Pro for full access — £6.99/month
Director's Notes
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.
Love Knows No Rank
from Shakespeare in Love
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.
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.
Similar Scenes
Rob's Apology and Commitment
from Catastrophe
During a date in Boston, Rob receives an unexpected phone call from Sharon, a woman he had a week-long fling with in London. The casual conversation takes a life-altering turn when Sharon reveals she is pregnant, forcing both to confront the consequences of their brief encounter and decide how to move forward as near-strangers.
The Maid of Dishonor
from Bridesmaids
Annie, reeling from a series of personal and professional setbacks, confides in Officer Rhodes at a bar. She expresses her feelings of failure and self-doubt, particularly regarding her abandoned passion for baking. Rhodes, in turn, offers a comforting perspective and reveals a budding interest in her, creating a moment of unexpected connection amidst her despair.
The Pregnancy Revelation
from Catastrophe
Sharon calls Rob to inform him that she is pregnant following their brief, intense fling. The two characters grapple with the shock of the news while navigating their mutual responsibility and the reality of being relative strangers.
The Proposal
from Catastrophe
Following a tense evening, Rob impulsively proposes to Sharon while she is pregnant and facing a health scare. They navigate the absurdity of their situation, balancing genuine fear about their future with their signature dark wit and blunt honesty.