Monologue

Aubrey Monologue from The Second Mrs. Tanqueray

From The Second Mrs. Tanqueray by Arthur Wing Pinero

male · contemplative · 2:04 min

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Look here; I daresay you two old friends think this treatment very strange, very unkind. So I want you to understand me. You know a marriage often cools friendships. What's the usual course of things? A man's engagement is given out, he is congratulated, complimented upon his choice; the church is filled with troops of friends, and he goes away happily to a chorus of good wishes. He comes back, sets up house in town or country, and thinks to resume the old associations, the old companionships. My dear Frank, my dear good doctor, it's very seldom that it can be done. Generally, a worm has begun to eat its way into those hearty, unreserved, pre-nuptial friendships; a damnable constraint sets in and acts like a wasting disease; and so, believe me, in nine cases out of ten a man's marriage severs for him more close ties than it forms. (MISQUITH.: Well, my dear Aubrey, I earnestly hope----) I know what you're going to say, Frank. I hope so, too. In the meantime let's face dangers. I've reminded you of the usual course of things, but my marriage isn't even the conventional sort of marriage likely to satisfy society. Now, Cayley's a bachelor, but you two men have wives. By-the-bye, my love to Mrs. Misquith and to Mrs. Jayne when you get home--don't forget that. Well, your wives may not--like--the lady I'm going to marry.

About this piece

Aubrey reflects on the impact of marriage on friendships, expressing a sense of loss and the inevitable changes that come with new commitments.

30s · melancholy · friendship · marriage · isolation · change

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