Phoebe's Monologue from Act 3 Scene 5 of As You like It

“Think not I love him though I ask for him”.

In Act 3, Scene 5 of William Shakespeare's As You Like It, Phebe, a shepherdess, delivers a monologue that reveals her complex emotions towards Ganymede (Rosalind in disguise) and her suitor, Silvius.

Synopsis:

Phebe grapples with her unexpected attraction to Ganymede, despite his recent chastisement of her. She oscillates between dismissing her feelings and acknowledging Ganymede's appealing qualities, all while denying any affection. This internal conflict leads her to decide to write a taunting letter to Ganymede, enlisting Silvius to deliver it.

What’s just happened before this moment that’s relevant to the scene?

Prior to this monologue, Ganymede (Rosalind in disguise) intervenes in a conversation between Phebe and her persistent suitor, Silvius. Ganymede scolds Phebe for her pride and advises her to be more receptive to Silvius's affections. This reprimand unexpectedly ignites Phebe's interest in Ganymede, leading to her introspective monologue.

Original Text:

Think not I love him though I ask for him.
’Tis but a peevish boy—yet he talks well.
But what care I for words? Yet words do well
When he that speaks them pleases those that hear.
It is a pretty youth—not very pretty—
But sure he’s proud—and yet his pride becomes him.
He’ll make a proper man. The best thing in him
Is his complexion; and faster than his tongue
Did make offense, his eye did heal it up.
He is not very tall—yet for his years he’s tall.
His leg is but so-so—and yet ’tis well.
There was a pretty redness in his lip,
A little riper and more lusty red
Than that mixed in his cheek: ’twas just the difference
Betwixt the constant red and mingled damask.
There be some women, Silvius, had they marked him
In parcels as I did, would have gone near
To fall in love with him; but for my part
I love him not nor hate him not; and yet
I have more cause to hate him than to love him.
For what had he to do to chide at me?
He said mine eyes were black and my hair black,
And now I am remembered, scorned at me.
I marvel why I answered not again.
But that’s all one: omittance is no quittance.
I’ll write to him a very taunting letter,
And thou shalt bear it. Wilt thou, Silvius?

Translation of Text into Contemporary Language:

Don't think I love him just because I ask about him.
He's just a moody boy—yet he speaks well.
But why should I care about words? Yet words do have charm
When the speaker pleases the listeners.
He's a handsome youth—not very handsome—
But surely he's proud—and yet his pride suits him.
He'll become a fine man. His best feature
Is his complexion; and as quickly as his words
Offended, his eyes healed the offense.
He's not very tall—but tall for his age.
His leg is average—and yet it's fine.
There was a lovely redness in his lip,
A little riper and more vigorous red
Than that mixed in his cheek: it was just the difference
Between a solid red and a blended pink.
Some women, Silvius, if they observed him
In parts as I did, might have nearly
Fallen in love with him; but as for me,
I don't love him nor hate him; and yet
I have more reason to hate him than to love him.
For what right had he to scold me?
He said my eyes were black and my hair black,
And now I remember, he scorned me.
I wonder why I didn't respond.
But no matter: neglecting to reply doesn't forfeit the right to.
I'll write him a very taunting letter,
And you'll deliver it. Will you, Silvius?

Meaning of Difficult or Unusual Words:

Peevish: Irritable or bad-tempered.
Proper: Handsome or attractive.
Complexion: The natural color, texture, and appearance of the skin, especially of the face.
Offense: A breach of a law or rule; an illegal act.
Heal it up: To make amends or rectify.
So-so: Neither very good nor very bad; mediocre.
Lusty: Healthy and strong; full of vigor.
Damask: A rich, heavy silk or linen fabric with a pattern woven into it, used for table linen and upholstery.
In parcels: In parts or sections.
Omittance: The act of omitting or leaving out.
Quittance: Release or discharge from a debt or obligation.
Taunting: Intended to provoke someone in an insulting or contemptuous manner.

Breakdown of Text into ‘New Thought’ Paragraphs:

Denial of Affection: Think not I love him though I ask for him.
’Tis but a peevish boy—yet he talks well.
But what care I for words? Yet words do well
When he that speaks them pleases those that hear.
Conflicted Admiration: It is a pretty youth—not very pretty—
But sure he’s proud—and yet his pride becomes him.
He’ll make a proper man. The best thing in him
Is his complexion; and faster than his tongue
Did make offense, his eye did heal it up.
Detailed Observation: He is not very tall—yet for his years he’s tall.
His leg is but so-so—and yet ’tis well.
There was a pretty redness in his lip,
A little riper and more lusty red
Than that mixed in his cheek: ’twas just the difference
Betwixt the constant red and mingled damask.
Comparison to Other Women: There be some women, Silvius, had they marked him
In parcels as I did, would have gone near
To fall in love with him; but for my part
I love him not nor hate him not; and yet
I have more cause to hate him than to love him.
Resentment and Resolution: For what had he to do to chide at me?
He said mine eyes were black and my hair black,
And now I am remembered, scorned at me.
I marvel why I answered not again.
But that’s all one: omittance is no quittance.
I’ll write to him a very taunting letter,
And thou shalt bear it. Wilt thou, Silvius?

Journey Keypoints:

Hook: Phebe's initial denial of affection for Ganymede, despite her curiosity about him.
Turning Point: Her detailed and admiring observations of Ganymede's physical attributes, revealing her growing attraction.
Climax: The realization that Ganymede scorned her, leading to feelings of resentment.
Resolution: Her decision to write a taunting letter to Ganymede, enlisting Silvius to deliver it, indicating a plan to confront her feelings indirectly.

Famous or Notable Actors Who Have Played the Role:

Helen Mirren: Portrayed Phebe in a 1978 production of As You Like It, bringing depth to the character's complexities.
Bryce Dallas Howard: Played Rosalind (who disguises as Ganymede) in a 2006 film adaptation, interacting closely with the character of Phebe.
Lily Rabe: Took on the role of Rosalind in the 2012 Shakespeare in the Park production, engaging with Phebe's storyline.

This monologue offers a rich exploration of Phebe's internal conflict and the irrational nature of attraction, providing actors with an opportunity to delve into the nuances of unrequited love and self-deception.