Monologue

Captain Monologue from The Father

From The Father by August Strindberg

male · defiant · 1:43 min

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Yes, but it was certainly not in particular about her confirmation but about her whole welfare. This house is full of women who all want to have their say about my child. My mother-in-law wants to make a Spiritualist of her. Laura wants her to be an artist; the governess wants her to be a Methodist, old Margret a Baptist, and the servant-girls want her to join the Salvation Army! It won't do to try to make a soul in patches like that. I, who have the chief right to try to form her character, am constantly opposed in my efforts. And that's why I have decided to send her away from home. (PASTOR: You have too many women trying to run this house.) You're right! It's like going into a cage full of tigers, and if I didn't hold a red-hot iron under their noses they would tear me to pieces any moment. And you laugh, you rascal! Wasn't it enough that I married your sister, without your palming off your old stepmother on me? (PASTOR: But, good heavens, one can't have stepmothers in one's own house!) No, you think it is better to have mothers-in-law in some one else's house!

About this piece

The Captain expresses his frustration and anger towards his family dynamics, feeling trapped and threatened by those around him, particularly in relation to his marriage and familial obligations.

40s · anger · power · family · betrayal · madness

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