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| Character | Talbot | |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | Male | |
| Age Range(s) | Adult (36-50), Senior (>50) | |
| Type of monologue / Character is | Persuasive, Inspirational, Descriptive, Afraid | |
| Type | Dramatic | |
| Period | Renaissance | |
| Genre | Historical, Drama | |
| Props | Sword | |
| Description | Talbot addresses his soldiers before the battle at Bordeaux | |
| Location | ACT IV, Scene 2 | |
Summary
The setting is the Hundred Years' War. The English, led by general Talbot are fighting the French, led by Joan of Arc and King Charles.
After having conquered the city of Rouen, Talbot marches to Bordeaux. He demands the French General to open the gates and accept King Henry VI as their king or the English army will attack them.
The French General, however, tells Talbot that the French are strong enough to resist them. King Charles and his troops will also attack the English from behind and he will be unable to escape. His death is imminent.
Talbot realizes that he is surrounded and that the English troops are like a deer surrounded by dogs. Even if the fight will be hard, Talbot urges his soldiers to fight with courage.
After having conquered the city of Rouen, Talbot marches to Bordeaux. He demands the French General to open the gates and accept King Henry VI as their king or the English army will attack them.
The French General, however, tells Talbot that the French are strong enough to resist them. King Charles and his troops will also attack the English from behind and he will be unable to escape. His death is imminent.
Talbot realizes that he is surrounded and that the English troops are like a deer surrounded by dogs. Even if the fight will be hard, Talbot urges his soldiers to fight with courage.
Written by Administrator
| Excerpt |
|---|
| TALBOT He fables not; I hear the enemy: Out, some light horsemen, and peruse their wings. O, negligent and heedless discipline! How are we park'd and bounded in a pale, A little herd of England's timorous deer, Mazed with a yelping kennel of French curs! If we be English deer, be then in blood; Not rascal-like, to fall down with a pinch, But rather, moody-mad and desperate stags, Turn on the bloody hounds with heads of steel And make the cowards stand aloof at bay: Sell every man his life as dear as mine, And they shall find dear deer of us, my friends. God and Saint George, Talbot and England's right, Prosper our colours in this dangerous fight! |
Comments
The monologue starts in a low tone as Talbot realizes the gravity of the situation. As he urges his soldiers to fight to the death the speech gets more intense ("If we be English deer, be then in blood;...") and the emotion should rise til the last line when he yells "Prosper our colours in this dangerous fight!".''
As he delivers the last lines the actor could raise the sword for more dramatic effect.
As he delivers the last lines the actor could raise the sword for more dramatic effect.
