Today I’m reading Jaques’ iconic monologue from As You Like It (Act II Scene VII Line 139).
One of my favourite monologues in all of Shakespeare.
Of course, there’s Lear’s ‘Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks!’ Lear himself being a perfect representation of what Jaques refers to as ‘second childishness’. Then there’s countless lines from Lady Macbeth. Hamlet, Ophelia, and Polonius too. Not to mention Shylock. Not forgetting Juliet.
So much Shakespeare, so little time.
Anyways – enjoy!
‘All The World’s A Stage’ by Shakespeare: Poetry Reading
Let me know your favourite lines from Shakespeare.
Further reading:
This monologue reinforces ideas of Shakespeare as shaman and self-conscious artist, ideas I hit upon a little in that article.