Monologue

Absolute Monologue from The Rivals

From The Rivals by Richard Brinsley Sheridan

male · defiant · 1:34 min

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'Tis just as Fag told me, indeed. Whimsical enough, faith! My father wants to force me to marry the very girl I am plotting to run away with! He must not know of my connection with her yet awhile. He has too summary a method of proceeding in these matters. However, I'll read my recantation instantly. My conversion is something sudden, indeed--but I can assure him it is very sincere. So, so--here he comes. He looks plaguy gruff. Sir ANTHONY No--I'll die sooner than forgive him. Die, did I say? I'll live these fifty years to plague him. At our last meeting, his impudence had almost put me out of temper. An obstinate, passionate, self-willed boy! Who can he take after? This is my return for getting him before all his brothers and sisters!--for putting him, at twelve years old, into a marching regiment, and allowing him fifty pounds a year, besides his pay, ever since! But I have done with him; he's anybody's son for me. I never will see him more, never--never--never.

About this piece

Absolute is grappling with his father's authoritarian expectations while secretly desiring to pursue his own romantic interests, leading to a conflict between familial duty and personal freedom.

20s · anger · family · rebellion · identity · power

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