Helena's Speech/Soliloquy/Monologue Midsummer Night's Dream Act 1 Scene 1

Just larking about, the last time I did this speach it was about 20 years ago!
I wanted to see if I could still remember it!
Your comments are welcome!

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• shakespeare
• scene
• act

[EleanorDigby]

This thought of Helena’s is also the ‘high point’, so quite a challenge to do a high point, with a small whispered voice, but it’s all in the excitement and in the sparkle in the eyes! It’s after all, the solution to her problem, she hopes to hear a kind word from her beloved!! Hope this helps a bit? Sorry this is in little chunks, kept running out of space! x

[EleanorDigby]

You also asked for volume tips, I see that first line ‘Oh, how happy some o’er some can be!’ as an explanation, a sigh, she’s exasperated, could be played quite loud! The quieter bit is near the end when she decides to go and tell Demetrius of Hermia’s plans, that could almost be like an aside to the audience, as though she’s thinking it for the first time, almost to her self, testing the words, she knows it’s not a nice thing to do, but she can’t help herself!

[EleanorDigby]

Helena says later ‘I am your spaniel, spurn me, strike me, nay neglect me, unworthy that I am, to follow you’ She’s got it bad and has a low self esteem. You asked me for where I saw the ‘low point’ and ‘high point’ well, the low point is almost the first line! What has just happened before this speech is Helena watching her friend Hermia plot a secret lovers meeting in the woods to elope, how romantic, it reminds Helena how happy everyone seems to be except her!

[EleanorDigby]

It will be subjective and down to the individual to interpret, but as you've asked for a few pointers, here's my take on the speech. Helena has a heart of gold, is best friends with Hermia and yet here she is taking through the eyes of jealousy and blinded by her love for Demetrius, she is talking about betraying her friend so that she gets to hear just one kind word of thanks from the one she loves!

[EleanorDigby]

Thanks LunalsAce, glad you found it useful!

[raebbystfu]

You did a wonderful job! I'm looking up different videos of this monologue and this one proved most useful. I have to memorize and recite this for a class next week and also write a paper on it. Your tone of voice and facial expressions explained the words very well to one who might not know how to interpret Shakespeare lol Thank you!!

[EleanorDigby]

@raebbystfu Thanks! Good luck with your recital! x

[LunaIsAce]

@EleanorDigby Could you perhaps give me a few pointers, for the 'high point' of the speech? I'm struggling a bit to find it, and to change the 'volume' of the speech ^^:

[LunaIsAce]

This is actually great for a beginner like myself that finds Shakespeare a weak point. It's clear, precise, and shows the right emotion, and helps me understand the piece a little better!