3. Retelling Monologues in Personal Language
One of the best tools for uncovering meaning.

Exercise A: Translation
Rewrite the monologue in your own words.
Example:

• Original: "I have of late—but wherefore I know not—lost all my mirth."
• Performer: "Lately I've been feeling down, and honestly I don't know why."

Only after understanding the thought do you return to the original text.

Exercise B: Tell It Like a Story
Explain the monologue as if talking to a friend.

• No script.
• No performance.
• Just: "Here's what this person is trying to say."

Exercise C: Modern Text Message
Rewrite the monologue as texts.
Example:

• "Can't believe you did that."
• "I trusted you."
• "I don't even know what to say."

This often reveals objectives and emotional stakes.