In Act 2, Scene 1 of William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Portia confronts her husband, Brutus, expressing deep concern over his recent behavior and imploring him to confide in her.

Title of Monologue:

Portia's Monologue from Act 2, Scene 1 of Julius Caesar

Synopsis:

Portia observes Brutus's uncharacteristic actions—leaving their bed at night, wandering unprotected in the damp morning air, and engaging in secretive meetings. She questions whether his ailment is physical or mental, emphasizing her right as his wife to share in his burdens. Portia pleads with Brutus to reveal the cause of his distress and the identities of the men who have visited him under the cover of darkness.

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

Brutus has been grappling with the moral dilemma of joining the conspiracy against Julius Caesar. His internal conflict manifests in restless behavior and secretive gatherings with fellow conspirators. Portia, sensing his turmoil and exclusion, confronts him to understand the source of his unease and to assert her role as his confidante.

Original Text:

PORTIA:
Is Brutus sick? and is it physical
To walk unbraced and suck up the humours
Of the dank morning? What, is Brutus sick,
And will he steal out of his wholesome bed,
To dare the vile contagion of the night
And tempt the rheumy and unpurged air
To add unto his sickness? No, my Brutus;
You have some sick offence within your mind,
Which, by the right and virtue of my place,
I ought to know of: and, upon my knees,
I charm you, by my once-commended beauty,
By all your vows of love and that great vow
Which did incorporate and make us one,
That you unfold to me, yourself, your half,
Why you are heavy, and what men to-night
Have had resort to you: for here have been
Some six or seven, who did hide their faces
Even from darkness.

Translation of Text into Contemporary Language:

PORTIA:
Brutus, are you ill? Is it a physical illness
That makes you walk around without a cloak,
Absorbing the dampness of the early morning?
If you're sick, why leave your healthy bed
To face the night's harmful air
And expose yourself to the cold and unclean atmosphere,
Worsening your condition? No, my Brutus;
You have some inner turmoil,
Which, by my rights as your wife,
I deserve to know: and, on my knees,
I implore you, by the beauty you once praised,
By all your vows of love and the great vow
That united us as one,
To share with me why you're troubled,
And who the men were that visited you tonight;
For there were about six or seven,
Who concealed their faces even from the darkness.

Meaning of Difficult or Unusual Words:

• Unbraced: Without a cloak or outer garment.

• Humours: Moisture or vapors; in medieval physiology, bodily fluids thought to affect health and temperament.

• Dank: Unpleasantly damp or moist.

• Vile contagion: Harmful or corrupting influence.

• Rheumy: Damp or moist, often referring to unhealthy air.

• Unpurged: Unclean or impure.

• Charm: To implore or beg earnestly.

• Commended: Praised or admired.

• Incorporate: United or combined into one body.

• Heavy: Burdened or sorrowful.

• Resort: To visit frequently or habitually.

Breakdown of Text into ‘New Thought’ Paragraphs:

1. Questioning the Nature of Brutus's Illness:
   Brutus, are you ill? Is it a physical illness
   That makes you walk around without a cloak,
   Absorbing the dampness of the early morning?
   Portia questions whether Brutus's behavior stems from a physical ailment, noting his exposure to the cold morning air without proper attire.

2. Challenging His Actions if Physically Sick:
   If you're sick, why leave your healthy bed
   To face the night's harmful air
   And expose yourself to the cold and unclean atmosphere,
   Worsening your condition?
   She challenges the logic of Brutus leaving his bed to wander in unhealthy conditions if he were truly physically ill.

3. Identifying Mental Distress:
   No, my Brutus;
   You have some inner turmoil,
   Which, by my rights as your wife,
   I deserve to know:
   Portia asserts that his distress is mental and, as his wife, she has the right to be informed.

4. Pleading for Disclosure:
   and, on my knees,
   I implore you, by the beauty you once praised,
   By all your vows of love and the great vow
   That united us as one,
   To share with me why you're troubled,
   She earnestly pleads, invoking their marital bond and his past praises, for him to confide in her.

5. Inquiring About the Mysterious Visitors:
   And who the men were that visited you tonight;
   For there were about six or seven,
   Who concealed their faces even from the darkness.
   Portia seeks information about the secretive visitors who came under the cover of night, highlighting their suspicious behavior.

Journey Keypoints:

• Hook: Portia questions the nature of Brutus's ailment, suggesting it's not physical.

• Turning Point: She identifies his distress as mental and asserts her right to know as his wife.

• Climax: Portia passionately pleads for Brutus to share his troubles, invoking their marital unity.

• Resolution: She inquires about the mysterious visitors, emphasizing the secrecy surrounding him.

Famous or Notable Actresses Who Have Played the Role:

• Deborah Kerr: Portrayed Portia in the 1953 film adaptation of Julius Caesar, delivering a performance noted for its emotional depth and nuance.

• Virginia McKenna: Assumed the role in the 1970 film adaptation, offering a compelling interpretation of Portia's strength and vulnerability.