How can I rock this monologue?

Question

So, i found a monologue for my audition. It's Beatrice talking in "Much Ado About Nothing".

But, I don't know what the context is, or how I should act, or move around.

I have acting experience and all, but I just want some pointers to do awesome at my audition.

So, please help me figure out what exactly Beatrice is talking about and how i can portray that!

Here's the monologue:

What fire is in mine ears? Can this be true?

Stand I condemn'd 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.

Thanks!!

Answer 1

Hay! I would suggest renting the movie and seeing how she does the monologue. (but watch the whole movie so you get the whole context) Also maybe look it up on You Tube or something to see how others have done it. Dont take and do it the same way but put yourself in her shoes and think about how you would feel and then it should come naturally. That is what I have done with many of my Monologues and they turn out awsome. Good Luck!

Answer 2

Beatrice is the comic relief of the play along with Benedick; she is acts as the contrasting character to Hero, her cousin who is polite, and soft spoken. With Beatrice, you need to portray a lady who is cynical, witty, and hardened by society.

The monologue you posted however shows her vulnerability; she wants and seeks love just like any ordinary lady in the Renaissance society, but she can't find an equal, strong, and compatible match. Benedick, the man who she has her lashes of wittiness with, is someone who has most likely  betrayed her trust (it isn't explicit in the play, but I get the notion from the first part of it).

**Recap** - Hero hints at Benedick's liking for Beatrice to her (Beatrice). Now, she is in an emotional twist. Her hardened exterior is softened greatly in this monologue; we finally see the flicker of the sensitive Beatrice capsuled in the hardened mold she holds.

If I were you, I'd say the first 2 lines in disbelief, shock, and awe. Notice the word fire - she is emotional; by this point, the audience realizes her desire for Benedick.

Line 3 and 4 - relief. She now knows the path to take; she is going to change.

Line 5 through 10 - happiness. I would move freely about the stage to showcase liberty from a confined state of being.

It's one of the best romantic comedies to audition for. All the best :).

Answer 3

Beatrice has been kind of a jerk to Benedick, even though she has a bit of a crush on him (Kind of like the way school children tease each other)

Well, she just was told that Benedick loves her and so she's really surprised by the unexpected news. So her "contempt", her cruel ways are "farewell and she will love him back. Her heart is wild but his love will tame it

"If thou dost love, my kindness shall incite thee

To bind our loves up in a holy band;" means "if you love me, we can get married' and the last two lines refer to her friend telling her that he loves her and they are prefect for each other so she believes it in her heart even more then when somebody just tells her they were made for each other.

So yeah, she's just been told that he loves her and she like "heck, WOW, I guess I love him too - a LOT!"