Titus Andronicus is a play by William Shakespeare that tells the story of a Roman general who seeks revenge against his enemies. In the play, there is a monologue spoken by Titus Andronicus that begins with the line “If there were reason for these miseries”. This monologue is often cited as one of the most powerful speeches in the play, and it provides a glimpse into the character’s inner thoughts and emotions. I captured the depravity of the situation by using laughing, to show that he is so overwhelmed by the mental struggle he’s dealing with that laughter is the only thing he can do to cope with it.
The “If there were reason” monologue is delivered by Titus after he has been betrayed and mutilated by his enemies. In this speech, he reflects on the senseless violence and cruelty that he has experienced and questions whether there is any meaning or purpose to it. He wonders why the gods would allow such suffering to occur and whether there is any justice in the world. I captivated this desperation for knowing why by staring out the window into the sky, to signal as if I am talking to the gods themselves. Over the course of the speech, I became increasingly more bitter and disconnected with reality by becoming more angry, shown by my change in physicality; my hunched back, deeper breathing and significantly more frustrated look on my face.
In conclusion, the “If there were reason” monologue is a powerful and poignant moment in Titus Andronicus. It captures the character’s sense of despair and hopelessness in the face of senseless violence, while also highlighting his determination to seek justice. This speech provides a glimpse into the complex psychology of Titus Andronicus and sets the stage for the rest of the play. I think I did an excellent job at capturing that despair and hopelessness quite well.
The Actor’s Bible 