Shakespeare

Phoebe's Monologue – Act 3, Scene 5 of As You Like It

"Think not I love him though I ask for him."

In this scene from As You Like It, Phoebe, a headstrong shepherdess, delivers a speech that gives us a glimpse into her tangled emotions toward Ganymede (who, unbeknownst to her, is actually Rosalind in disguise) to her loyal admirer, Silvius.

What’s going on here?

Phoebe finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Ganymede even though he just gave her a stern talking-to. She swings back and forth emotionally, insisting she feels nothing, while clearly admiring Ganymede’s boldness and charm. Her pride won’t let her admit she’s smitten, so instead, she decides to pen a sharp, teasing letter to Ganymede, using poor Silvius as her messenger.