The Honest Whore

Roles

• Bellafront - Young Adult (20-35), Female

About this piece

Bellafront urges her clients to forsake prostitutes

Summary

The play is set in Milan and has 3 main storylines. In the first the Duke of Milan has feigned his daughter Infelice's death so that she can end her relationship with Hipolito, who he detests since he is the son of an old enemy. Hipolito however, can't get over it, and finally when he learns of the set up by the Duke of Milan, he is reunited with Infelice and they get married. Another storyline is about a prostitute, Bellafront, falling in love with Hipolito. She tries several times to seduce him but Hipolito scorns her and rejects her. She pretends to be mad and eventually helps Hipolito be reunited with Infelice. In this scene Bellafront, after being rejected by Hipolito the first time they meet (ACT II, Scene 1), decides to give up her life as a prostitute. She writes a song about her decision to quit her sinful life. When several costumers show up at her door, Bellafront tells them about her decision. She asks them to leave and then delivers this monologue where she urges them to give up their habit to seek prostitutes.

Tone

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