Shakespearean monologue

I chose 2 monologues from the play 'Much Ado About Nothing', both from the character Beatrice. I* decided on these two parts of the monologues as it shows a contrast between the two and a rise of tension. Also when acting, I feel my strong point in the type roles is the more powerful, hard headed characters. For example in 'Rent' I played Joanne, who was a very fierce and dominant character. Both Joanne and Beatrice have similar personalities; they're both argumentative and stubborn, but also very passionate people. I find it easier to get inside the disposition of characters like this.  

I began translating certain words and sentences so I could further understand their state of mind and if/how it changes. My first chosen monologue was:

Stand I condemned for pride and scorn so much?

Contempt, farewell, and maiden pride, adieu!

No glory lives behind the back of such.

And Benedick, love on; I will requite thee,

Taming my wild heart to thy loving hand.

If thou dost love, my kindness shall incite thee

To bind our loves up in a holy band.

For others say thou dost deserve, and I

Believe it better than reportingly.

This speech from Beatrice shows her shock to what she has just overheard, that people criticise her for being proud and contemptuous ("Stand I condemn'd for pride and scorn so much?"). She also shows a change of heart towards Benedick, as she hears of his apparent love for her, even expressing the willingness to rid her old attitude she had for him ("If thou dost love, my kindness shall incite thee").

My 2nd monologue:
 What should I do with him? Dress him in my apparel and

make him my waiting gentlewoman? He that hath a beard

is more than a youth, and he that hath no beard is less than

a man; and he that is more than a youth is not for me, and

he that is less than a man, I am not for him. Therefore I will

even take sixpence in earnest of the bearherd, and lead his

apes into hell.

This is when Beatrice is shunning away the idea of having a husband and insists she will stay an unmarried woman. This speech clearly depicts her complete rejection of this absurd proposition of becoming someone's wife, especially as she mocks the thought of a beardless man as her partner, referring one to being the equivalent of her lady servant. 

When getting feedback on how I was performing the monologue, I was advised to start with more emphasis on the first sentences. For the 1st monologue, the "Stand I condem'd..." line needed more power and prominence, to show the initial disbelief of these rumours, which quickly leads to the realisation of her dismissive ways. This monologue's mood I feel slightly simmers and calms thoughout as she descales in her normal temper to feeling rather flattered by Benedick's comments.

For the 2nd monologue, I feel my tone should stay up and strong as Beatrice is standing by her beliefs and exhibits stubborness. The frustration in this monologue shows in the 1st two lines as she answers her own question with another question. I think this is where the pace should be the highest and my movement should be fast, similar to 'storming off' in a mood. I should also incorporate gestures of splayed hands and open arms as I further support my annoyance. to the topic. The following section should be a slower pace and have a more condescending tone, as she continues on.