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

Title of Monologue:

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

Synopsis:

Portia addresses Brutus, noting his uncharacteristic actions: leaving their bed at night, displaying signs of deep contemplation, and responding to her inquiries with impatience and silence. She emphasizes the impact of his behavior on his well-being and their relationship, asserting her right as his wife to share in his burdens and urging him to reveal the cause of his distress.

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

Brutus has been secretly contemplating joining the conspiracy against Julius Caesar. His internal conflict has led to restless nights and secretive meetings, causing him to withdraw from Portia. Sensing his turmoil, Portia confronts him to understand the source of his unease.

Original Text:

PORTIA:
Nor for yours neither. You've ungently, Brutus,
Stole from my bed: and yesternight, at supper,
You suddenly arose, and walk'd about,
Musing and sighing, with your arms across;
And when I ask'd you what the matter was,
You stared upon me with ungentle looks;
I urged you further; then you scratch'd your head,
And too impatiently stamp'd with your foot;
Yet I insisted, yet you answer'd not,
But, with an angry wafture of your hand,
Gave sign for me to leave you: so I did;
Fearing to strengthen that impatience
Which seem'd too much enkindled, and withal
Hoping it was but an effect of humour,
Which sometime hath his hour with every man.
It will not let you eat, nor talk, nor sleep;
And could it work so much upon your shape
As it hath much prevail'd on your condition,
I should not know you, Brutus. Dear my lord,
Make me acquainted with your cause of grief.

Translation of Text into Contemporary Language:

PORTIA:
It's not good for your health either. Brutus, you've unkindly
left our bed; and last night at dinner,
you suddenly got up and walked around,
thinking and sighing, with your arms crossed;
and when I asked you what was wrong,
you looked at me unkindly;
I pressed you further; then you scratched your head,
and impatiently stamped your foot;
yet I persisted, but you didn't answer,
instead, with an angry wave of your hand,
you signaled me to leave; so I did,
fearing to increase your impatience,
which seemed too inflamed already, and also
hoping it was just a passing mood,
which every man experiences sometimes.
This mood prevents you from eating, talking, or sleeping;
and if it affected your appearance
as much as it has changed your behavior,
I wouldn't recognize you, Brutus. My dear lord,
please tell me what's troubling you.

Meaning of Difficult or Unusual Words:

  • Ungently: Unkindly or discourteously.

  • Musing: Deep in thought or contemplation.

  • Wafture: The act of waving or a wavelike motion.

  • Enkindled: Inflamed or aroused.

  • Humour: Mood or state of mind.

Breakdown of Text into ‘New Thought’ Paragraphs:

  1. Addressing Brutus's Health and Recent Behavior:
    It's not good for your health either. Brutus, you've unkindly
    left our bed; and last night at dinner,
    you suddenly got up and walked around,
    thinking and sighing, with your arms crossed;
    Portia expresses concern for Brutus's health, noting his abrupt departure from their bed and his restless behavior during dinner.

  2. Describing His Unresponsive and Impatient Actions:
    and when I asked you what was wrong,
    you looked at me unkindly;
    I pressed you further; then you scratched your head,
    and impatiently stamped your foot;
    yet I persisted, but you didn't answer,
    instead, with an angry wave of your hand,
    you signaled me to leave; so I did,
    She recounts how her attempts to understand his distress were met with unkind looks, impatience, and a dismissive gesture, leading her to withdraw.

  3. Rationalizing His Behavior as a Passing Mood:
    fearing to increase your impatience,
    which seemed too inflamed already, and also
    hoping it was just a passing mood,
    which every man experiences sometimes.
    Portia explains that she stepped back to avoid exacerbating his irritation, hoping it was a temporary mood swing common to all men.

  4. Observing the Depth of His Distress:
    This mood prevents you from eating, talking, or sleeping;
    and if it affected your appearance
    as much as it has changed your behavior,
    I wouldn't recognize you, Brutus.
    She notes that his condition is so severe that it's disrupting his basic functions, and if his physical appearance matched his altered behavior, he would be unrecognizable.

  5. Pleading for Disclosure:
    My dear lord,
    please tell me what's troubling you.
    Portia earnestly implores Brutus to share the cause of his distress, emphasizing her role as his confidante.

Journey Keypoints:

  • Hook: Portia confronts Brutus about his recent unkind and secretive behavior.

  • Turning Point: She describes his dismissive responses to her concerns.

  • Climax: Portia highlights the profound impact of his distress on his well-being and their relationship.

  • Resolution: She earnestly pleads with Brutus to confide in her, reaffirming her commitment as his wife.

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.